European Ballet mixed sparkle, humour, tradition and – of course – elegant dance in this incredibly accessible production.
Prokofiev's famous score was the glue that held together the much-loved tale with sparse props ensuring the dance told the story.
From lowly Cinders (Scilla Cattafesta) dancing gracefully with a broom when she fears she won't be able to get to the royal palace, we see her transformed into the belle of the ball after she was the only one to show an old beggar some kindness.
For many in a packed house, the ugly sisters were a star turn, wonderfully conveying their mood swings between petulance, envy, excitement and just plain grumpiness. Ania Thormeyer and Felizia Roth's ham-fisted footwork as they took dance lessons before the ball brought comedy – and some laugh-out-loud moments – to the show.
The ensemble dance after the handsome prince (Vincent Cabot) and Cinderella fell in love at the ball was the most spectacular, lending itself well to the intimacy of the venue.
Happily, Cinders forgave the ugly sisters for their cruelty and this faithful retelling left the audience with a very happy ending.
