I just tucked my own sleeping beauty, home today with a nasty case of fever and the chills, back into bed. If Lizabeth was feeling better, we’d be heading out this weekend to see Ballet Etudes perform “The Sleeping Beauty” at Chandler Center for the Arts.
Many years ago, I enjoyed a Ballet Etudes performance of “Cinderella” with RAK founder Karen Barr, whose two grown sons live too far away to join her at the ballet. She’d taken along some younger family members and treated them to a backstage tour — complete with an up close look at the magnificent carriage that transports Cinderella to the ball.
I suspect plenty of other children will experience a similar sense of awe and enchantment this weekend as Ballet Etudes breathes life into the classic tale of a young girl’s rendezvous with a witch who proffers sleeping spells and shiny apples. Ballet Etudes is a master of costumes and sets with a truly magical feel. And there’s nothing more appealing for children or teens than watching other young people perform.
As Ballet Etudes performs “The Sleeping Beauty” this weekend, filmmakers and those who love them are gathered on the French Riviera to fawn over films that include “Sleeping Beauty,” directed by Julia Leigh, and starring Emily Browning and Rachel Blake.
“Sleeping Beauty” — a 2010 film out of Australia — is one of several official selections at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Folks affiliated with the film describe it as “a haunting erotic fairytale about Lucy, a young university student drawn into a hidden world of beauty and desire.” She’ll have to contend with something far more sinister than an apple.
For those of us content to lead less glamorous lives, Ballet Etudes provides all sorts of opportunities. In addition to performing several works each season, the company offers a wide range of dance classes through its Ballet Etudes School of Dance in Gilbert. There’s ballet, pointe, lyrical/contemporary, hip hop, jazz and more. Even yoga, adult ballet and “Disney Ballerina.”
As my own sleeping beauty rests surrounded by stuffed animals, some sporting ballet garb of their own, I’m going to spend some time exploring the Ballet Etudes website — where there’s plenty of information on summer dance intensives and ballerina birthday parties. Also their golf tournament fundraiser, taking place May 21 in Queen Creek. And the School of Dance recital scheduled for June 2 at Mesa Arts Center.
Ballet Etudes performs “The Sleeping Beauty” tonight (Fri, May 13) at 7pm, May 14 at 2pm and 7pm, and May 15 at 3pm. Click here for ticket information — then comment below, after you go, to let other readers know what you thought of the show.
— Lynn
Note: Click here for a comprehensive guide to “Sleeping Beauty” from the Cannes Film Festival website
Coming up: Shakespeare-in-the-Schools