Cinder Ella

The world premiere of Julianna Rubio Slager's Cinder Ella draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Cinderella's origins, weaving elements from its many historical versions into a fresh, meaningful ballet. Each retelling of the Cinderella story, from Charles Perrault's classic French tale to the Brothers Grimm's darker Aschenputtel, carries unique cultural nuances. The choice to incorporate a Fire Spirit rather than a Fairy Godmother reflects a deliberate and values-driven shift, emphasizing transformation through resilience and inner strength rather than external magic.

The Fire Spirit embodies themes found in older versions of Cinderella, where trials and suffering lead to personal growth. Unlike the Fairy Godmother, who provides external solutions, the Fire Spirit emerges from Ella's deepest struggles, representing the transformative power of courage, love, and self-worth. This creative decision underscores the ballet's focus on light and darkness, illustrating that true change often begins within. By making this choice, Julianna Rubio Slager aligns the narrative with the core values of kindness and inner beauty-principles that Ballet 5:8 seeks to cultivate in its students.

The Giving Tree, another pivotal element in the story, symbolizes the ties to Ella's mother and the enduring legacy of love. Trees often appear in historical Cinderella adaptations, such as the hazel tree in Aschenputtel, serving as sources of magic and protection. Reimagining the tree as a sacred place tied to memory and hope invites dancers and audiences alike to reflect on the sustaining power of familial and personal roots. For students, this offers an opportunity to explore deeper emotional connections in their roles, enriching their growth as artists.

Cinder Ella shifts the traditional narrative emphasis from romantic rescue to self-discovery. This focus challenges dancers to embody themes of authenticity and resilience, providing a platform for them to grow as storytellers and to grapple with complex character development. Such lessons extend beyond the stage, encouraging students to embrace the values of kindness and strength in their own lives.

Classical ballets remain essential for pre-professional dancers, offering a foundation in technique and artistry. However, working on an original production like Cinder Ella under the guidance of a professional choreographer elevates the experience. Students gain firsthand insight into the artistic process, from conceptual development to execution, cultivating discipline and a sense of ownership over their craft. The inclusion of historical influences and contemporary themes ensures the ballet resonates deeply while challenging dancers to engage fully with its narrative.

The creation of Cinder Ella reflects a commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers, not just in their technical abilities but in their capacity to convey timeless values through their art. By emphasizing the beauty of inner transformation and the power of light to overcome darkness, the ballet becomes more than a performance. It is a celebration of resilience, kindness, and the enduring human spirit, both for the audience and for the students who bring the story to life.

URLs:
Instagram: https://go.evvnt.com/2939998-2?pid=2874
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/2939998-3?pid=2874
YouTube: https://go.evvnt.com/2939998-4?pid=2874

Category: Arts | Performing Arts | Dance

Prices:
Premium: USD 35.00,
Plus: USD 30.00,
Standard: USD 25.00

Artists: Ballet 5:8, School of Ballet 5:8