Familiar story performed as ballet

The Russian National Ballet Theatre will present “Cinderella” on Thursday, Jan. 31. The production features Rostislav Zakharov’s choreography, which is set to the music of Sergei Prokofiev. It is the same choreography and music that premiered in Russia in 1945. The Kirov Ballet had commissioned it.

” ‘Cinderella’ is a timeless fairy tale with (a) universal theme that people from all cultures love to see,” Sergey Radchenko, the director of the Russian National Ballet Theatre, wrote in an email to the Journal.

	If you go WHAT: The ballet “Cinderella” WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 WHERE: Popejoy Hall, UNM Center for the Arts HOW MUCH: $44 and $54 in advance at ticket offices in the UNM Bookstore and the Pit, by calling 925-5858, by visiting www.unmtickets.com, at select area Albertsons or, if available, at the door

“Prokofiev’s music tells the story with drama and emotion that dancers interpret in their dancing.”

Radchenko said the story of a poor girl “being rescued from her suffering by a handsome prince is something people enjoy seeing again and again.”

The Popejoy performance is one of 18 that the ballet company is giving on a four-month North American tour.

The ballet is based on the “Cinderella” fairy tale that 17th-century French literary figure Charles Perrault had fashioned. It was one of a collection of traditional stories that Perrault reshaped into classic forms that they’re known today.

Prokofiev authorized three orchestral suites based on his music for “Cinderella.” Those suites are still performed today.

Radchenko established the Russian National Ballet Theatre in 1989 after serving as principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet.

Dancing the role of Cinderella will be Maria Sokolnikova and the Prince will be danced by Aidos Zakan.

He also commented in the email about the recent attack on the current artistic director of the Bolshoi, Sergei Filin, who was severely burned when acid was thrown in his face. Filin suffered third-degree burns to his face and eyes, according to news reports. He said he believed he was attacked because of his work at the Bolshoi.

Radchenko called the attack “an unthinkable and reprehensible act” and said he feels certain that authorities in Moscow are doing everything to apprehend his assailant.