A ‘Sleeping’ giant
Moscow Ballet stages classic fairy tale ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at Fox
Just so there’s no confusion: The Moscow Ballet is from Moscow, Russia, not that other Moscow in Idaho.
The Moscow Ballet draws from Russia’s centuries-long ballet tradition – not to mention its world-class ballet schools – to bring 45 top Russian dancers to the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox tonight.
They will perform one of the most beloved and challenging of ballets, Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty,” based on Marius Petipa’s original choreography, which premiered in Russia in 1890. The music will be provided via recording.
The ballet will feature full costuming and staging, with sets inspired by Fragonard, Breugel, Bosch and other European masters. According to ballet spokesman George Deveny, this production strives to deliver the full classical ballet experience.
“Sleeping Beauty” is based on the classic fairy tale by Charles Perrault, about a princess cursed to sleep until awakened by the kiss of a prince. This production follows in the tradition of the 1890 original by including cameos from characters in other Perrault fairy tales, including “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Cinderella” and “Puss in Boots.”
The Moscow Ballet is a touring company, founded in 1993, made up of the top graduates and rising stars of ballet schools in Moscow, Kiev and other cities. The artistic director is Anatoly Emelianov, who will also dance the lead role of Prince Desire.
Yulia Golovyna, of the Imperial Ballet of Russia, dances the role of Princess Aurora. Other featured dancers include Yuri Ovstrovsky and Oxana Makarova in the “Blue Bird” pas de deux. Aleksander Strokin will dance the role of the evil Carabosse.
In addition to the Russian dancers, this performance will include 19 local dance students, chosen through earlier auditions.
The local dancers include: Hannah Baumann, Kali Bradford, Kiana Gamble, Aleksa Scott, Kali Vining, Kristen Wanke, Sarah Wahl, Eilis Smith, Jessica Basta, Lillian Antonietti, Kelly Cummings, Alexa Dysart, Jamie Milligan, Jackie O’Hara, Angela Pierson, Maggie Vaughn, Anna Swenson, Seneca Montgomery, Adrienne Baller, Kelsey Piva and Nora Swoboda.