Photo: Jeff Corchran
Cinderella is not only a classic rags-to-riches
fairytale; it’s also one of the most beloved classical story ballets,
featuring a lively Prokofiev score. But de la Dance Company’s Artistic
Directors Mario de la Nuez and Meridith Benson want to make sure their
production — taking place at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater
this Friday and Saturday — isn’t too overly classical. Nuez wants to
strike the perfect balance between serious ballet and a fun time for all
ages — not too silly and slapstick, but not boring.
“I personally like
classical ballet in all its forms, but I like to bring it down to an
earthier approach,” Nuez says.“Not just classical ballet, which bores
most people. We have choreography that is compelling and valuable, but
at the same time entertaining and meaningful.” As veterans of major
ballet companies, Nuez and Benson know their audiences. Benson is a
former dancer of Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, to name one, and both have
danced with Cincinnati Ballet. They’ve assembled a mixed Cinderella
cast: a dozen professional dancers (including another former Cincinnati
Ballet dancer, Mark Cisler), pre-professionals, character roles (such as
ugly stepsisters played by men in drag) and some children’s roles that
involve real dance skills — not just cute costumes. $18-$30. 8 p.m.
Friday Feb. 8; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday Feb. 9. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650
Walnut St., Downtown. 513-621-2787, cincinnatiarts.org.
