On Feb. 1, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center hosted the State Ballet Theatre of Russia for their one-night-only production of Cinderella.
The company of only 56 members danced beautifully to the choreographed performace by Vladimir Vasilev, former Premier Danseur and Artistic Director of the Bolshoi Ballet.
At first, many in the audience seemed confused upon realizing that the rendition being performed was not the Cinderella Walt Disney made famous. Despite the difference, the crowd was quickly laughing at the wicked step-mother and two step-sisters whom served as fantastic comedic relief throughout the performace.
The ballet itself aside from the storyline was very precice and traditional. The dancers moved across the stage with an elegent finese which made the story itself all the more beautiful. Despite having a handful of dancers fulfilling the main character roles, the rest of the performers were just as beautiful. The entire company was very expretional which helped understand what was going on throughout the entire program.
Standout performances were the stepmother and stepsisters as well as Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother. Cinderella was without a doubt the highlight of the entire night. She was graceful and performed the character very well. The Fairy Godmother also provided a whimsicle performance throughout her several cameo's.
NJPAC's production of Cinderella is a fantastic reason why more student's should take advantage of what they have to offer. Tickets only cost $10 through their Student Rush program and you absolutley get more than you pay for.
The Setonian gives this 5 out of 5 stars.
Ashley Duvall can be reached at ashley.duvall@student.shu.edu
