Russian National Ballet Theatre’s Cinderella

The Russian National Ballet Theatre will return to Kansas City’s Kauffman Center to dance the magical full-evening story ballet, Cinderella, set to Prokofiev’s lush score. The 50-member ensemble is led by Elena Radchenko, a former principal dancer with Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet.

The ballet performs extensively in the United States. Krannert Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign wrote, “First founded in the 1980s as the Soviet National Ballet, this impressive company of over 50 dance professionals helmed by Radchenko has enchanted global audiences with swirling pirouettes, colorful costumes, and elegant storytelling that celebrates the enduring gems of the classical dance repertoire.”

When the company performed Cinderella at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, their Center for the Arts said, “Don't miss one of the most enchanting and delightful storybook ballets - Cinderella. With Russia's finest dancers, Prokofiev's exuberant music, sumptuous costumes, lush scenery, and comical stepsisters, this performance is a treat for audiences of all ages.

“The classic fairy tale tells of the virtuous and mistreated servant girl who is magically transformed by her fairy godmother allowing her to attend the grand royal ball. She captures the heart of the handsome prince, but dashes off at the stroke of midnight, leaving only her glass slipper behind.

“Russian National Ballet Theatre is committed to upholding the grand, national tradition of Russian ballet, and at the same time offering opportunities for  emerging young artists.”

“A cut above many of its rivals." (The Washington Post)

The Kauffman Center performance is Thursday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 to $60, and may be purchased online at www.Kauffmancenter.org, by phone at (816) 994-7200, or at the Kauffman Center box office, 1601 Broadway Blvd, in Kansas City, MO.

The Gayly - 1/8/2016 @ 3:32 p.m. CST