In celebration of their 10th Anniversary, The Victorian State Ballet returns to Adelaide with their beloved storytime production of Cinderella. This timeless fairytale is beautifully reimagined through exquisite ballet technique and heartfelt artistry from the talented ensemble. Enchanting from start to finish, Cinderella tugs at the heartstrings and delights audiences of all ages.
Boasting an extensive repertoire ranging from full-length classical ballets to neo-classical works, The Victorian State Ballet upholds an incredible status as Victoria’s prime ballet organisation. The company was re-launched in 2015 with a goal to reach regional communities and interstate audiences. Under the guidance of Directors Martin and Michelle Sierra, the company consists of professional and pre-professional artists who have earned recognition Australia-wide.
Following the story we all know and love, the ballet begins in the home of Cinderella’s evil stepmother. A distressed Cinderella – dressed in rags – faces constant mocking and belittlement from her stepsisters who force her to do their chores.
In the role of Cinderella is Principal Artist Elise Jacques, who I had the pleasure of seeing dance as Belle in last year’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Jacques is an exquisite ballet dancer. With refined technique as her foundation, her performance and artistry shine no matter her role. Jacques’ ability to emote with every movement and gesture makes her a dancer who speaks directly to your soul. She is an ideal casting choice for such classic, multidimensional characters.
When the ball invite arrives, Cinderella is forbidden to attend. However, she awakens from a dream by the Fairy Godmother. Unique to the ballet version, the transformative scene in the forest is an extended visual display featuring the corps de ballet as beautiful Forest Fairies.
Led by Maggie de Koning as the Fairy Godmother, she emerges as a stunning figure of Romanticism – graceful, ethereal, and otherworldly. Her presence introduces the dreamlike sequence that begins. The Fairies appear and the set transforms into the enchanted forest.
Michelle Sierra’s choreography of the corps de ballet here is magical. The group moves through an impressive array of formation changes and soft balletic movements that are hypnotisingly graceful. Also featured here were multiple fairy couples who executed beautiful pas de deux choreography with seamless synchronisation.
An impressive end to this magical scene is the switch to the sharp neo-classical choreography as the Fairy Godmother warns Cinderella to be home before midnight. Sergei Prokofiev’s original score is layered with the jarring sound of a ticking clock, and the dancer’s movements suddenly resemble the ticking hands.
Martin Sierra’s lighting design here cleverly switches from the whimsical blue and green hues to a striking red to symbolise the Fairy Godmother’s warning in a captivating finish to Act I.
Acts II and III see the Prince, performed by Benjamin Harris, enter with a calm and charming presence. Ben executes his precise turns and lifts with ease, revealing his growing affection for Cinderella. As a pair, Harris and Jacques are the embodiment of fairytale romance. Their pas de deux sequences are a showcase of advanced flawless partnering, all whilst capturing their longing for each other.
Crowd favourites are the two Stepsisters played by Hannah Leong and Kyralee Matthewson. Full of personality, they are animated and mischievous, combining their technical expertise with highly emotive slapstick shenanigans. Even when they aren’t centre stage, the pair continue to draw the eye with their hilariously sneaky and rambunctious behaviour.
The Victorian State Ballet has grown into a vibrant and dynamic company, steadily expanding its reach and reputation across Australia. With productions regularly touring the country, there’s always a chance to experience the magic they bring to the stage – so don’t miss it!
Cinderella ran from 2 – 3 May 2025 at the Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre. The season has now ended.
Check The Victorian State Ballet’s ticket link below for a list of their upcoming productions for 2025:
Tickets: https://www.victorianstateballet.org.au/tickets
Website: https://www.victorianstateballet.org.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/victorianstateballet/
Images supplied via Adelaide Festival Centre website
