Enchanting fairies, a somnolent princess, an evil curse and, of course, Prince Charming. The Russian National Ballet Theatre, under the artistic direction of Elena Radchenko, held the audience spellbound with its gorgeous production of “The Sleeping Beauty” at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts.
With music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreography by Marius Petipa, this was a sumptuous feast for the eyes and ears. The masterful ballerinas glided across the stage with such grace and ease it looked effortless. The classic story, based on Charles Perrault’s “La belle au bois dormant”, was only the vehicle to showcase the beautiful dancing of the artists onstage.
Baby Princess Aurora is christened in front of the court, with six fairies present as her godmothers. As they are presenting her with gifts, the wicked fairy Carabosse arrives uninvited and curses the young princess: on her 16th birthday, Aurora will prick her finger and die. Fortunately, the Lilac Fairy grants her gift: the curse will not kill Aurora, it will only make her sleep for 100 years, until a prince wakes her up with a kiss.
Aurora does indeed prick her finger on her 16th birthday and falls into a deep slumber along with the rest of the castle. Fast-forward 100 years and Prince Charming is wandering in the woods. He comes across the Lilac Fairy, who shows him a vision of Aurora, dancing with other fairies. He follows the Lilac Fairy to the enchanted castle, where he finds Aurora, kisses her, wakes her up, and marries her.
The dancer in the role of Prince Charming seemed as though he could fly. His impressive feats of gravity defiance were the highlights of the ballet. The ballerina portraying Aurora was lovely and lissome, and the statuesque Lilac Fairy exuded wisdom and dreaminess.
Aside from the breathtaking dancing, the costumes truly stood out in this ballet. Simon Virsaladze’s stunning and colorful pieces complemented the performers perfectly, from the Lilac Fairy’s sparkling purple tutu to the dark robes of evil Carabosse and the strait jacket-like attire of her deformed lackeys. The set design, by Lev Solodovnikov, evoked both an elegant court and a lush, magical forest.
All in all, this "Sleeping Beauty” is a magnificent piece of art, from slumber to awakening.
