A chance to see Kremlin Ballet’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’
Tchaikovsky’s ballet «Sleeping Beauty» has a long and memorable history. It was Rudolf Nureyev’s debut in the West, the first appearance of George Balanchine on stage and the ballet that made Galina Ulanova decide to become a ballerina. Next week, the highly popular ballet will go on stage at the Pallas Theater in Athens, from April 13 to the 16, as performed by the Kremlin Ballet. The production retains Marius Petipa’s classic choreography and features young ballet stars in the leading parts: Kristina Kretova, Sergei Smirnov, Natalia Balakhnicheva, Alexandra Timofeeva, Sergei Vasychenko and Aydar Shaydullin. The story begins when the wicked fairy Carabosse is overlooked in the invitations for the christening of King Florestan’s daughter, Princess Aurora. Outraged, she arrives at the palace and places a curse on Aurora: She declares that when the princess turns 16, she will prick her finger and then die. But after the intervention of the good Lilac fairy, the princess is instead condemned to a deep, 100-year sleep, which can only be interrupted by the arrival of a prince. Under the artistic direction of Andrei Petrov, the Kremlin Ballet revives classic ballets but also stages more recent productions. Hence, alongside Tchaikovsky’s «Nutcracker» and «Swan Lake,» one can find Vassiliev’s «Cinderella» as well as Grigorovic’s «Ivan.» The Pallas performances are organized by the Elva and Spectacles companies. Pallas Theater, 5 Voukourestiou, tel 210.321.3100. For tickets and reservations, call 210.672.8080 and 210.324.6888.
