State Street Ballet Brings ‘Cinderella’ to Macey Center April 20

April 10, 2018


The age-old tale of the cinder-sweeping lass rescued by a fairy godmother takes on a modern twist

 

 

SOCORRO, N.M. – The State Street Ballet’s production of “Cinderella,” puts a modern twist on the age-old story. The show is headed for New Mexico Tech’s Macey Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 20.

Two dancers from the State Street Ballet CompanyThe Tech Club Macey is hosting a “Royal Costume Ball,” 6 to 7 p.m., in the Galena Room of Macey Center, with tea, cake, board games and coloring, and a “Royal Parade” during intermission.  Come dressed as princesses and princes.  This event is $5 for adults, youth free.

The production, part of the New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series (PAS), will feature local dancers with the Rising Stars dance studio.

“This is the fourth time featuring the State Street Ballet in another fabulous show at Macey Center,” said Ronna Kalish, PAS director. “The most recent was Carmen; previously they performed the Jungle Book and the Nutcracker, all to great reviews.”

Everyone knows the classic story of Cinderella, forced to toil in a grim cottage while her evil stepmother tries to quash her spirit while promoting her own less-than-desirable daughters. That is, until a fantastical fairy godmother rescues the poor lass and magically transforms her into a maiden who enchants a handsome prince she meets, transformed, at the so-called social event of the year.

Oh, but wait! There’s more than meets the eye.

The second act, “The Royal Court,” highlights what’s most charming about classical ballet, when Cinderella is transformed and transported to an evening not to be forgotten.

“This is a lovely production, made more so by spotlighting the blossoming talents of young Socorro dancers,” Kalish said. “State Street Ballet is an established, professional dance company dedicated to preserving the beauty and traditions of ballet.”

four dancers performing CinderellaChoreographers whose works have been performed by State Street Ballet include Robert Battle, Autumn Eckman, Peter Pucci, Margo Sappington, Josie Walsh, and Edgar Zendejas, as well as the legendary Agnes de Mille and George Balanchine. Innovative new works draw from a team of visionary resident choreographers including Artistic Director Rodney Gustafson, Emmy Award winner Robert Sund, and renowned New York-based choreographer William Soleau. The company also collaborates and partners with top-notch arts organizations such as the Santa Barbara Symphony and Opera Santa Barbara, producing exciting new works that have become highly anticipated Santa Barbara traditions.

The Cinderella ballet, completed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1945, is a variation of the original rags-to-riches story. After its very successful premiere in Santa Barbara, the ballet was selected to tour the Eastern U.S and sold out every performance. Part of its appeal is the incredible melding of visual backdrops, movement and sound. Digital animation projected onto a see-through curtain is used to help a pumpkin transform into a carriage, while the lead dancer visible behind the curtain changes from her costume of rags to the princess dressed for a ball.

Sponsors for the performance are Positive Outcomes, Inc., Sofia’s Kitchen, Associated Universities (NRAO), EMRTC and Wells Fargo.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for youth 17 and under. New Mexico Tech students will be admitted free with their student ID at the door, or can pick up one ticket each at the New Mexico Tech Bookstore.

Tickets also can be purchased online at www.nmtpas.org,  or at the following locations: PAS office (835-5688), New Mexico Tech Cashier (Fidel Center), Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Sofia’s Kitchen, or at the door.

– NMT –