Australian Ballet's CINDERELLA Returns to Melbourne Tonight

Set to warm hearts in Melbourne this winter, The Australian Ballet's award-winning hit Cinderella is back for an exclusive encore season at Arts Centre Melbourne, from tonight 19 to 27 June 2015.

Already a landmark ballet in the company's repertoire after sell-out seasons in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, Cinderella was created in 2013 by the world's most sought-after choreographer, Alexei Ratmansky.

"Cinderella was a gift from Mr Ratmansky, the most in-demand choreographer on the world stage" said The Australian Ballet's Artistic Director David McAllister. "The eight weeks he spent with us were amazing for the company and produced this extraordinary work which has thrilled audiences across the country."

This witty, glamorous and romantic retelling of the classic love story earned the company two Australian Dance Awards in 2014, for Outstanding Performance by a Company and for 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 celebrated composer Sergei Profokiev, the wit 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.

Making her debut as Cinderella this season is Ako Kondo, The Australian Ballet's newest Principal Artist. This will also be Melbourne's last chance to see beloved Principal Artist Madeleine Eastoe, who will hang up her pointe shoes after an 18-year career with the company, following performances in Adelaide in July.

McAllister said he looks forward to the acclaimed ballet's homecoming: "I am so excited to relive the magic again here in Melbourne before we take it to Shanghai for its international debut. I am sure this ballet will enjoy many happy returns!"

What the critics had to say:
"Exquisite from start to finish"
- Crikey

(4 ½ stars) "Glamorous, sometimes kooky and thoroughly entertaining, this Cinderella is definitely worth catching before the clock strikes midnight"
- Herald Sun

"a wonderful modern fairytale"
- The Age

"Perfect."
- ArtsHub

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 tick of the clock 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.

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