The Dance Conservatory of Pasadena (DCP) will present a delightful ballet performance of “Cinderella” on Sunday, June 9, 2 p.m. at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center. The enchanting show promises to captivate audiences of all ages with its combination of humor, classical ballet elegance, and the timeless promise of a happily ever after.
Featuring talented dancers from DCP’s pre-professional and children’s ballet programs, the production will bring the beloved fairy tale to life through a visually stunning, wordless retelling.
“We wanted to do something we hadn’t done before, and the Disney version of Cinderella has so many fun characters; we knew it would make a charming production that the students would love to perform and the audience will love to watch,” said Tamar Corretjer, Production Manager and Backstage Director at DCP.
The conservatory, known for well-received past performances such as “The Nutcracker” that have established it as a key player in the local arts scene, has been preparing for the show since March, with weekly rehearsals in addition to regular dance classes. The choreography, created by a team of DCP teachers, is a collaborative effort that promises to deliver a cohesive and professional-quality production.
“The choreography is created by our team of teachers; Mia Hjelte, Rowden Metzger, Caroline Broes and Natalie Sánchez,” Corretjer explained. “Mia Hjelte started by setting an outline, based on the Disney story, making sure all students got good parts, and that each section had the appropriate music.”
The casting process involved an audition where students tried choreography reflecting the different types of roles.
“We had an audition where the students got to try choreography that reflected the different types of roles we were casting. From that we picked who fit each role the best,” Corretjer shared. The show’s star, Abigail Hillman, played Cinderella in the studio’s junior version about 10 years ago, making her current role a full-circle moment.
One unique element of this production is the music, which is a mix of Prokofiev and Disney songs. “The music is a mix of Prokofiev and Disney songs, which was a gamble, but it works surprisingly well and makes the production extra charming,” Corretjer noted. The show also features magical quick changes and a stunning cast.
The production’s set design, costumes, and overall quality are expected to impress, thanks to the efforts of the creative and experienced team at DCP.
“It looks fabulous! There are some truly magical transformations in the show and our Studio and Production Manager, Tamar N Corretjer, has done a fantastic job with costumes, props and overall production design making sure it’s a stunning production,” Corretjer said. “We are a small local studio, but have an incredibly creative and experienced team, so the production quality looks very professional.”
Corretjer said DCP’s founder, Jennifer Cheng, has been instrumental in making this production possible.
“Without the support and generosity of DCP’s founder, Jennifer Cheng, a show of this magnitude would not be possible,” Corretjer said.
The conservatory also benefits from the support of volunteers among the students’ parents and grandparents.
Tickets for “Cinderella” can be purchased through the Arcadia Performing Arts Center website at www.purplepass.com/cinderella2024.
For more information, visit www.dancepasadena.com/cinderella-2024-info.
DCP also offers a summer program with camps and workshops for every age group, which Corretjer suggested could be discussed in the future. Whether you’re a seasoned ballet aficionado or attending your first performance, this enchanting production promises to amaze, entertain, and inspire.