The Australian Ballet's CINDERELLA Makes Her First Trip to Brisbane, Beginning Tonight

Brisbane audiences will be swept away when the ultimate story of transformation opens The Australian Ballet's 2016 season in February. Alexei Ratmansky's CINDERELLA comes to QPAC's Lyric Theatre for the very first time from tonight 19-24 February 2016, following sell-out seasons in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide as well as acclaimed performances in Shanghai in 2015.

A witty, glamorous and romantic retelling of the classic love story, this production of CINDERELLA has become a landmark work in the Company's repertoire since Alexei Ratmansky, the world's most in-demand choreographer, created it for The Australian Ballet in 2013.

CINDERELLA earned the Company two Australian Dance Awards in 2014, for Outstanding Performance by a Company and for Principal Artist Leanne Stojmenov in the title role. The production also won two Green Room Awards in 2013, for choreography and visual design.

Set to one of the great ballet scores by Sergei Profokiev, the humour and charm of the CINDERELLA story is heightened by vibrant sets and costumes, designed by Jérôme Kaplan and drawing inspiration from Dior, Schiaparelli, 1940s Hollywood and Surrealist art.

The Australian Ballet's Artistic Director David McAllister looks forward to bringing the production to Brisbane for the first time.

"We received a wonderfully warm welcome from Brisbane audiences when we performed Telstra Ballet in the Gardens in 2015, and it's exciting to be kicking off our 2016 season in Brisbane with this unique ballet created especially for us by one of the world's most celebrated choreographers," said McAllister.

The story

In her soot-stained dress, CINDERELLA works away while her tempestuous Stepmother and Stepsisters prepare for the royal ball.

As CINDERELLA dreams of dancing, an eccentrically disguised Fairy Godmother transforms her rags into a magnificent gown. In Ratmansky's retelling of the fairy tale, mice and pumpkins are replaced by cosmic companions who accompany CINDERELLA to the ball.

The handsome Prince is captivated from the moment CINDERELLA arrives. A clock chime and one lost slipper later, he must embark on a world-wide journey to find his love, visiting many lands teeming with temptations before he is reunited with CINDERELLA.

CREDITS

CINDERELLA (2013)
Choreography Alexei Ratmansky
Music Sergei Prokofiev
Costume and set design Jérôme Kaplan
Original lighting design Rachel Burke
Projection design Wendall K Harrington

SPECIAL EVENTS

Audiences are invited to step inside the ballet with special events during the CINDERELLA season.

Open Day
Sunday 21 February 2016, 10am-12:30pm
Courier Mail Piazza, South Bank House, Glenelg St & Little Stanley St
You're invited take part in a FREE ballet class with Artistic Director David McAllister! Afterwards, meet dancers from the Company and ask them questions about their daily routine, upcoming performances or even what their favourite ballet is. No bookings are needed so come early to grab your spot at the barre.
Tickets: No bookings required, FREE event
Suitable for the whole family

Q & A
Monday 22 February 2016
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Stay behind after the CINDERELLA performance for a special Q&A with Artistic Director David McAllister and our panel of artistic staff and dancers.

Behind The Scenes
Wednesday 24 February 2016, 11.30am
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Don't miss this special in-theatre experience. You'll get an insider's look and exclusive access into the world of an elite dancer. You'll watch morning class on stage, a daily ritual for all our dancers, and this year, for the first time ever, you'll sit in on a private coaching session as principal artists prepare for their roles. Raw, beautiful and full of insights - this is a unique, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to prepare for a performance.
Tickets: Adults $39, Concession: $29 (Group prices available)
Suitable for ages 10 and above
Duration: 60 minutes

For tickets and more information, visit australianballet.com.au or call 1300 369 741.

Photo Credit: Jeff Busby

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