Cinderella (ballet) facts for kids
Cinderella, Op. 87 is a famous ballet that tells the classic fairy tale of Cinderella through dance and music. The story for the ballet was created by Nikolai Volkov. It was based on the well-known 1697 fairy tale Cendrillon by Charles Perrault. The beautiful music for this ballet was composed by Sergei Prokofiev between 1940 and 1944.
The very first performance of Cinderella happened on November 21, 1945, at the famous Bolshoi Theatre in Russia. Yuri Fayer conducted the orchestra for this premiere. The dance moves, known as choreography, were created by Rostislav Zakharov. A famous dancer named Galina Ulanova played the main role of Cinderella. From this ballet, Prokofiev also created three orchestral suites (sets of music for an orchestra) and three collections of piano arrangements, so people could enjoy the music in different ways.
Contents
What is the Story of Cinderella?
The ballet tells the familiar and magical story of Cinderella. She is a kind young woman who lives with her mean stepmother and two wicked stepsisters. They treat her very badly and make her do all the chores.
How Does Cinderella Get to the Ball?
One day, a poor beggar comes to their house. Cinderella is kind to her, unlike her stepsisters. This beggar then reveals herself to be a powerful fairy godmother! To reward Cinderella's kindness, the fairy godmother uses her magic. She gives Cinderella a beautiful gown, a fancy coach, and glass slippers so she can go to the royal ball.
The Royal Ball and Midnight
At the royal ball, Cinderella looks so different and lovely that no one recognizes her. She dances with the handsome prince, and they quickly fall in love. However, the fairy godmother warns Cinderella that the magic spell will only last until midnight. When the clock strikes twelve, everything will turn back to normal.
The Lost Slipper and Happy Ending
Cinderella is having such a wonderful time that she almost forgets the warning. As midnight approaches, she rushes out of the palace, leaving one of her glass slippers behind. The prince is determined to find the mysterious girl he fell in love with. He uses the single glass slipper to search for her throughout the kingdom. Finally, he finds Cinderella, and they live happily ever after.
