Alberta Ballet

I went to see the opening night of Cinderella put on by the Alberta Ballet at the Northern Jubilee Auditorium. Ballet is not my favourite form of entertainment. I prefer words - whether singing, poetry or prose - to tell a story. But I was surprised how much I enjoyed Cinderella! Maybe because I know the Cinderella story so well, I could appreciate the story told through dance even without any words to accompany it. The dancers were incredible, as always. I wish I had half as much grace, flexibility, strength and poise! The choreography was beautifully done - the ugly step-sisters provided excellent comedic relief, the first dance of Cinderella and Prince Charming was enchanting and the little ballerina fairies that formed part of Cinderella's entourage were adorable! I loved the costumes too, especially the colourful, swirly dresses the ladies wore to the ball. I liked the musical score well enough, although I forgot it as soon as I heard it. Overall, I enjoyed Cinderella much more than I thought I would! I think I might even want to see another ballet. As it turns out, the Alberta Ballet is putting on Tchaikovsk's Swan Lake at the end of March. I have never seen that ballet, although I love the musical score, so I might be tempted to look for tickets!

Oh, my other favourite part of the ballet? Watching all the little girls that are invariably in the audience. They are always all dressed up with fancy dresses and pretty hair styles. And they are always so excited to be at the ballet! It's adorable. I know it's expensive to take your child to the ballet, but what a magical experience for a little girl!