"Cinderella"

You all know a story about Cinderella. She was named like this because she was always in the ashes near the chimney.
This fairy-tale is written by Charles Perrault -  the famous French author. And the ballet that you will see today is  composed by Sergei Prokofiev.  But before being absorbed in the wonderful world of music and dance, let us remind you of the plot of the story.

 

 

SYNOPSIS

Act I

“Once there was a gentleman who married, for his second wife, the proudest and most haughty woman that was ever seen...”
One day a court footman brings round the invitations to the handsome Prince's ball, but not one of them reaches Cinderella. The wicked stepmother and her daughters are in a hurry to get ready for the ball and hire the most fashionable dance teacher on the planet to teach them the latest steps and airs and graces.
Suddenly, an old tramp appears. The stepmother chases her away but Cinderella pities her. She gives her the most precious thing that she has – her mother's old shoes.
After seeing off her relatives, Cinderella falls into reveries and imagines her appearance in the palace.
The old tramp appears again; she is, in fact, a Fairy and has come to reward Cinderella?s kindness.

She presents her with a pair of glass slippers and a dress that she removes from her heavy bags. The Four Seasons appear and help with Cinderella?s transformation. The Fairy warns Cinderella that the effect of the magic charms will cease at midnight. If Cinderella does not leave the palace on time, she will instantly find herself dressed in dirty rags again.
All the guests are already in the palace. Finally the Prince wearing motley rushes in like a fiery comet. In fact, his friends have played a trick on him. But because of all the court ceremony and guests trying to get the Prince's attention, he is unable to find out who the unknown girl is who has caught his eye. It's Cinderella. The Prince falls in love with her.

Act II

Cinderella, carried away by the fact that her dreams have come true, suddenly remembers about the time. The clock begins to chime midnight.

Cinderella runs from the palace and, in her haste, loses one of the slippers. The Prince and the guests rush after her, but she disappears. The Prince picks up the tiny slipper – it will help him find the mysterious beauty.
In despair, the Prince decides to look for Cinderella. He demands that all his friends search out Cinderella, but not one foot is small enough to fit the slipper.

Unable to look at another foot, the Prince asks to be taken back to the palace as quickly as possible, but suddenly Cinderella appears before him.
It's a miracle! The Fairy lays a starry road that will guide Cinderella and the Prince to happiness.