Glass slippers, a fairy godmother, a handsome prince and pumpkins that transform into carriages; these magical makings can be from none other than "Cinderella."
The Moscow Festival Ballet will perform the fairy tale and take viewers on a journey back to childhood at 8 p.m. tonight at Emens Auditorium.
Under the direction of Sergei Radchenko, the Moscow Festival ballet strives to bring together the highest classical elements of the great ballets of Russia.
This is not the first time Ball State University has seen the Moscow Festival Ballet's work. Last January, the company, then known as the Russian National Ballet, performed "Sleeping Beauty" at Emens.
Student dancer Tony Howell said he was astonished by what the dancers could do with their bodies. Watching the pas de duex, or partnering, between Sleeping Beauty and the Prince was a highlight, he said.
"It was entirely professional and beautiful to watch," he said.
The ballet "Cinderella" is performed in three acts. The first act provides an exposition about the Stepmother's mistreatment of Cinderella and the taunting of the step sisters up until the start of the ball.
The second act involves the events of the ball, including Cinderella and the Prince falling in love at first glance, up to the point where the Fairy Godmother's magic wears off.
The third act is about the Prince's journey to find the beautiful, mysterious peasant girl at the ball until the happy ending where the lovers are finally betrothed.
One person who is used to seeing performances at Emens is Marjorie Hobley, Ball State instructor of physical education.
Hobley, a former dancer, said she is enthusiastic about the ballet companies that come to Emens. She has been attending the shows for about 35 years.
"Emens has hosted the finest ballets," Hobley said. "They are sensational."
Though Hobley missed Sleeping Beauty last year, she said she anticipates a great show. Hobley teaches dance to beginning dancers and gymnastics to children and said she is requiring her students to attend the performance Friday.
Before "Cinderella" is peformed, the Moscow Festival Ballet will conduct a master class for Ball State Dance Theatre company members. The class is sponsored by Emens.
The company has completed two international tours since its inception in 1989 and continues to expand its repertoire. Italy, Spain, Germany, France and the Netherlands are just a few of the countries the company visited.
Tickets are $5 for students who present a student ID. Reserved Seating is $25 for adults, $5 for children and $20 for Emens Artist Series subscribers. Groups of 20 or more pay $20 per ticket.
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