The Centralia Ballet Academy will present the ballet “Sleeping Beauty” for two performances June 1-2.
“Dancers from Centralia Ballet will perform along with the timeless music of Tchaikovsky to create a wonderful experience,” the Centralia Ballet Academy said in a news release. “This one act, narrated version of the classic ballet is the perfect way to introduce young, and not so young, audience members to this magical story.”
The ballet follows the Princess Aurora from her christening, where she was cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse, to her 16th birthday celebration, where she pricks her finger on a spindle and falls asleep. After 100 years, she is found and awakened by Prince Désiré, and a chorus of fairy tale characters gather for their wedding.
Centralia Ballet Academy dancers previously performed the third act of the “Sleeping Beauty” ballet in 2021 as the academy’s first live show after COVID-19 shutdowns.
A couple of the dancers in the upcoming “Sleeping Beauty” ballet, McKenna Bryan (Aurora in Acts 2-3) and Jamiah Wood (Princess Florine), previously danced in the 2021 show, though in different parts.
The show will feature new sets and new costumes, including nine “platter” tutus handmade by local costumer Emily Smith.
The Centralia Ballet Academy encourages all attendees to dress as their favorite storybook characters for the performances. Attendees will have a chance to meet and take photos with the dancers after the show.
There will also be a boutique and “magical treats” available.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. on June 1, following Centralia Ballet Academy’s two annual recital performances; and 2 p.m. on June 2.
Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online at centraliaballet.com or calling/texting 360-623-9010.
Owned by Mickey and Nancy Gunter, Centralia Ballet Academy provides students with “structured, disciplined, classically-based dance training in a positive, family-friendly environment at an affordable cost,” according to the academy’s website.
In addition to its spring ballet, the academy puts on an annual production of “The Nutcracker” at Christmastime.
Cast list
Aurora (Act 1)/Stepsister: Eliza Wilmont
Aurora (Acts 2-3): McKenna Bryan
Catalabutte, Master of Ceremonies/Narrator: Dan Maurer
Fairy of the Crystal Fountain/hunt scene duchess: Ari Hannum
Fairy of the Crystal Fountain/Jewel Fairy: Kyleigh Lloyd
Fairy of the Enchanted Garden/Diamond Fairy: Briana Smith
Fairy of the Woodland Glade/Stepsister: Stephanie San Souci
Fairy of Songbirds/Little Red Riding Hood: Lily Lennox
Fairy of the Golden Vine/Jewel Fairy: Kelsey Mullin
Lilac Fairy: Lydia Smith
Carabosse: Tess McMurry
Prince Désiré/suitor: Owen Hedgers
Suitors: Nicko Raynolds, Corwyn Raynolds
Aurora's friends/hunt scene villagers: Kaitlyn Bingisser, Jordan Larson, Elaina Porter, Marilyn Selin
Jewel Fairy: Tess McMurry,
White Cat/hunt scene villager: Adeline Wilhelmi
Puss in Boots: Carter Johnston
Princess Florine/hunt scene duchess: Jamiah Wood
Bluebird/suitor: Wesley Wilhelmi
The Wolf: Cael Best
Cinderella/hunt scene villager: Elsa Freeberg
