The National Ballet of Canada brings back Canadian James Kudelka’s 2004 version of Cinderella. Set to music by Sergei Prokofiev and playing at The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts November 11-20, this slate of performances is a gift from The Volunteer Committee, The National Ballet of Canada.
Kudelka is one of North America’s most eminent choreographers and is best known for combining the classical with the modern and for reinventing classics. His Swan Lake adaptation reframed the classic in the context of the downfall of a testosterone-charged world. Similar, with his Cinderella, Kudelka is focused more on how both Cinderella and her Prince Charming are outsiders to the beau mode, rather than on the rags to riches side to the tale.
The Stepsisters and Stepmother are middle class suburbanite social climbers and their dance moves and style of performance is more inspired from the pantomime versions of Cinderella than the traditional Charles Perrault tale.
This sense of light-hearted fun is a stamp of most of Kudelka’s work and very much prevalent in his Cinderella. Nothing and no one is really taken very seriously, and even the Prince’s global search for Cinderella is almost tongue-in-cheek in style. Yet, at the same time there are some poignant, romantic moments including some well choreographed pas-de-deux between the hero and heroine. The ending, with the Prince by his Princess’ feet near their fireplace only underscored their domesticated bliss and preference for a cozy lifestyle away from the glitz, glamour and riches than typically surround a Royal Palace.
The opening night performances starred Sonia Rodriguez and Guillaume Cote in the leads. Tanya Howard was particularly noteworthy as one of the Stepsisters and the entire corps de ballet flourished in the group dance sequences, particularly the scenes when the garden creatures transform Cinderella or the palace dance sequences.
The Érte-inspired sets for this production were outstanding and the moment when our heroine descends from the sky in her pumpkin carriage is sigh worthy.
The Princess’ ballgown beneath her cape could have been a little more glamorous but the famed glass slippers were simply dazzling.
At times, the light-hearted spirit of this adaptation dominated the sheer poetic romance of the tale but overall Kudelka’s Cinderella made for an enjoyable evening out and was well worth seeing.
Cinderella runs until November 20. Tickets are available online.
