On Sunday, March 24, The Colonial Theatre will welcome the return of the Russian National Ballet Theatre direct from Moscow. Artistic director Elena Radchenko’s production of Cinderella will serve as a story most are familiar with interpreted through a two-hour ballet performance.
Interviewed by The Chicago Tribune, ballet master and head assistant to Radchenko Alexander Daev said that Cinderella provides a getaway from the real world for all ages. “People just want to take a break from everything and find themselves in a fairy tale, if only for a few hours and to follow this kind story along with the dancers,” Daev said.
Originally composed by Sergei Prokofiev between 1940 and 1944, Cinderella is considered to be one of Prokofiev’s most popular and melodious compositions. On Nov. 21, 1945, at the Bolshoi Theatre, the premiere of Cinderella was conducted by Yuri Fayer, alongside choreographer Rostislav Zakharov and Galina Ulanova as Cinderella. This ballet composition allows for one to experience euphoric melodies, mesmerizing scenery, and a story known all too well.
After assuming the first permanent artistic directorship in 1994, Radchenko focused the Russian Ballet Theatre on upholding the grand national tradition of the major Russian ballet works and developing new talents throughout Russia.
The Russian National Ballet is comprised of 50 dancers, who over time have brought timeless ballet classics to the stages of North America since 1999. Using their new-found creative freedom from the political movement taking place in Moscow in the late 1980s, the Company was able to revitalize the tradition of Russian Ballet with new developments in dance from around the world.
The Russian Ballet Theatre performs productions based on the Russian school of classical ballet and the traditions of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres. From productions like Don Quixiote, La Bayadere, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Raymonda, Paquita, Coppelia and La Slyphide, and many more, Radchenko has enabled this company to grow as one. Through Radchenko’s production of Cinderella, Dauv said there is modernization to this performance. “We try to improve and keep this production current with time.” Dauv said. “We have colorful sets and costumes.”
But nevertheless, productions like Cinderella take time to find the right performers. There are three pairs of leading soloists and each of them have great dancing technique as well as acting abilities. “They are all great as Cinderella and Prince,” said Dauv.
As The Colonial welcomes back this talented group of Russian ballet dancers, attendees should consider the overwhelming sense of appreciation of tradition and art that this Company will give. The production of Cinderella will allow attendees to find themselves in a fairy tale, one which real life may not give, but these dancers will.