Ballet Appreciation Series (2014#1) - Cinderella

Ballet Appreciation Series (2014)
... every Thursday evening, in the past 3 months, by Margaret Lau

The first evening class was on "Cinderella"
- music by Prokofiev (1891-1953)
- different choreographies by 3 British masters, each with innovative ideas...



The first master choreographer is Federick Aston (1904-1988).

Here, Cinderella in the kitchen,
where the huge portrait of her deceased mother is allowed.

Cinderella dancing with the prince at the ball. Cindy's "ugly step-sisters" were enacted by two cross-dressed men, including Ashton himself. 

The second master choreographer introduced is David Bintley (1957-), who took a more realistic approach.

Poor Cinderella is bare-footed, or wearing her mother's shoes. 

Her mother's portrait is small.

Her step-sisters are only underweight or overweight, but both clumsy at dancing. 

The clock (metronome) clicks
count-downs towards mid-night.

The third master choreographer introduced is Christopher Wheeldon (1973-). The prince and his commoner friend exchanged clothes before delivering party invitations to households with eligible girls. 

Cinderella's step-sisters are not ugly at all, but snobbishly escort away the faked prince without leaving an invitation to Cindy. Cindy says good-bye to the prince, in plain clothe, who tries to cheer her up.

  At the ball

... then the clock clicks towards mid-night ....