University of New Mexico Presents SLEEPING BEAUTY

The Russian National Ballet will delight with Sleeping Beauty on Wednesday, February 13 at 7:30 pm at Popejoy Hall. Known as a classic tale of good and evil with music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and choreography by Marius Petipa, the company creates an engaging experience for all ages.

Sleeping Beauty as a ballet was first introduced in the late 1800s. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a Russian composer, created the score shortly after his composition of Swan Lake. After working in combination with Marius Petipa, a ballet master of the Imperial Ballet, the story came to life. Within the ballet, the drama and fantasy of the tale are brilliantly captured through daring lifts, high extensions, and stunning pointe work.

The Russian National Ballet was founded in Moscow in 1989 under the direction of Sergei Radchenko. Today, the company hosts students from the greatest ballet companies in Russia. Performing across the world, The Russian National Ballet strives to share Russian classical ballet with audience members in both small and large cities.

The ballet tells the story of Princess Aurora. Bewitched as a baby by the wicked fairy, Carabosse, she will prick her finger on a spindle at the age of 16 and die. However, The Lilac Fairy intervenes to prevent this fate and instead, when she pricks her finger, Princess Aurora falls into a deep slumber. Along with the princess, the curse causes the kingdom to fall into a deep sleep, as well. After a century has passed, a prince from another town finds her and revives her with a kiss, simultaneously freeing the kingdom from enchantment for good.

Tickets for Sleeping Beauty are on sale for $79, $65, $55, and $25. Tickets may be purchased at the UNM Ticket Offices located at the Dreamstyle Arena (The Pit) or at the UNM Bookstore. Online purchasing is available at popejoypresents.com or unmtickets.com. To charge by phone, call (505) 925-5858 or (505) 277-0388. Group orders may be placed by calling (505) 277-1569 or emailing groups@popejoypresents.com.