BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Will Cinderella’s foot fit into the ballet slipper?
The Pennsylvania Youth Ballet/Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley will present Cinderella on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 at the Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Ave.
- The Pennsylvania Youth Ballet presents "Cinderella" on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28
- The performances take place at Zoellner Arts Center
- There will be an opportunity to meet the cast after both shows
The spring performance will feature close to 100 ballet dancers set to the music of classical composer Sergei Prokofiev and choreographed by Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley’s artistic director Karen Kroninger Knerr.
Sibling Rivalry
The modern spin on the beloved fairytale has touches of comedy thanks to the evil stepsisters, portrayed by dancers Lauren Kunkle, a junior at Nazareth Area High School and Finola Heiter, a sophomore at Southern Lehigh High School.
While there will be a bit of pushing and shoving during the show, it’s all in good humor.
“It’s a comedic ballet and the stepsisters are hilarious,” Knerr said. “It’s been really fun to see everything come together.”
The role of Cinderella will be played by Brianna Dougherty, a junior at Southern Lehigh High School.
In addition, Liberty High School senior Ella Ebert makes wishes come true as the fairy godmother.
Prince Charming will be portrayed by guest dancer Juan Montobbio Maestre.
Maestre, who began his ballet training in Spain, is an apprentice at the Philadelphia Ballet.
The stepmother will be played by Kristopher Yoder, a professional actor and dancer who has taught at local colleges including DeSales University, Northampton Community College and Muhlenberg College.
Fostering talent
Just because the ballet dancers are young, doesn't mean they lack experience.
"We are the Pennsylvania youth ballet, but people should not be put off by the word youth," Knerr said. "They are very accomplished dancers for their age and it's an honor and a privilege to be part of their beginning training."
Many of the guild's younger dancers have participated in prestigious summer intensives — a training camp for future professionals — at the School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theater School and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy.
Meet Prince Charming
For a real fairy tale experience, stick around after the performances for a meet and greet with the cast.
Attendees will be able to ask Cinderella and her beau questions and take photos with the couple in her Royal Coach carriage.
Tickets start at $25. For info, click here.
