Dazzling Cinderella

Perhaps the character of Cinderella more than any others in ballet, appeared on stage ever since it debuted as far back as 1822 in a 3-act ballet, first performed in London and revived by Sir Fredrick Ashton in 1948. The three ugly sisters were Sir Ashton himself and Robert Helpman. Their antics proved some of the comic highlights. Much credit is due to Sir Ashton who made this Royal Ballet production such a success with its court dancers very outstanding. Cinderella was danced by Dame Margot Fonteyn while David Blair was her Prince Charming which brings us right to the centre of our own version of this wonderful children’s ballet, presented by Deanna School of Dancing to be boarded at the Bishop’s College Auditorium on May 26, 27 and 29 at 7 pm.

Kiho Tanaka turns out a dazzling performance as Cinderella choreographed by Natalie Jayasuriya

Cinderella moves with a touch of classicism maintained with no boredom on the younger audiences and the ballet picks up momentum from the opening act, Moving with aplomb on a note of clarity, one could feel the inner sense stirred in psychic aura in the powerful handling of choreography with no loose ends bared but tied up for smooth flow and clarity. Natalie Jayasuriya’s debut at full-length ballet choreographing, is outstanding. She has extracted every ounce of talent from her cast of dancers towards making Cinderella a success. She has created a striking contrast in its depth and stillness. For a novice choreographer, Natalie has captured all the nuances in a fit of clever choreography. Undoubtedly, she has inherited her mother. Deanna’s virtuosity. With good representative elements. Natalie possess the burgeoning balletic style I have seldom seen on the local stage.

Innovative and enthrallingly costumed dancers filled the stage with an aura of beauty in the hands of Natasha Jayasuriya who is also the Artistic Director of the Deanna School of Dancing. What ever the flaws the dancers had were covered up with Natasha’s striking attire.

Given the quality level, the stage setting and lighting-up enhanced the whole scenario, wonderfully executed by Kuthab of Iron House who lived up to the occasion. Yet, nothing could have been more than perfect if not for the glorious scores of Sergei Prokofiev whose type of music was symphony, orchestral, incidental, concerto, opera, ballet, choral, chamber, piano and vocal. Apart from scoring for Cinderella, he also wrote the famous score for Romeo and Juliet.

He was influenced by the Russian School which made him an icon in writing ballet scores. Beautiful, haunting and soothing to the movements of the dancers who simply sank into his music and who co-ordinated with each other that made Cinderella unique.

The Corpse-de-Ballet of the Deanna School of Dancing who were the ‘life’ behind the main dancers

Cinderella tasted his music as far back as when she was known as Zolushka in 3-act, 7-scene ballet choreographed by Zakharov for the Russian Bolshoi. But down two centuries, Cinderella had all the leading composers tested on her ballets.

Kiho Tanaka as Cinderella is perky and pique and makes choreography look more fairy tale than folklore. She dances with ease and a delight to watch and steal the hearts of the audience.

A girl with a great future if she cares to continue dancing. She deserves a roaring applause. Her body movements in control with her sharp crisp footwork, makes it all. She is ably supported by her partner.

Sajad Shabdeen who charms the evening apart from Cinderella. Given more opportunity and more exposure, this Prince Charming is a star of tomorrow. Roshani Fernando as the Fairy God-Mother produced an excellent bit of dancing in a role more difficult than that of Cinderella. Composed, yet open to her responsible character, I thought Roshani ran fewer than four feet at a time but she was in full control of her dancing.

The Corpse-de-Ballet of the Company took on their parts with zest and youthful exuberance and firmly supported Cinderella through out the ballet’s dancing. A neat, disciplined outfit who had listened and turned the choreographer’s direction into dancing, too deserve credit.

All in all, it is a must-see ballet for the local ballet lovers who must not miss a rare opportunity that is not often seen.

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