The Sleeping Beauty

When Ben Stevenson restaged The Sleeping Beauty, he chose to keep much of Russian choreographer Marius Petipa’s original work. Petipa worked closely with Tchaikovsky to prepare for the world premiere of the ballet in 1890. Stevenson choreographed the ballet for the first time in 1967 for the English Festival Ballet – with Dame Margot Fonteyn in the role of Aurora.

Texas Ballet Theater offers Ben Stevenson’s production of The Sleeping Beauty complete with lavish sets and opulent costumes created by Tony Award winner Desmond Heeley in the style of Louis XIV. Heeley’s costumes feature rich brocades, lavish trims and tall wigs. Sets transform the stage with fairy tale wonder, enrapturing the audience and inviting all to join in the story of Aurora and her prince.

The story continues over three acts, culminating with a Grand Pas de Deux that demands technical precision and intuitive artistry from the dancers. So integrated with the music are the steps of the ballerina, that the ballet transports all who watch to a world where magic becomes real.

Join us as Prince Florimund awakens Aurora with the kiss that inspired the phrase “…happily ever after!”


Program Information

Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreography by Ben Stevenson after Marius Petipa’s 1890 original
Set and Costume Design by Desmond Heeley
Lighting Design by Duane Schuler
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jack Buckhannan

 

Photo Credit
Artists: Thomas Kilps, Jayme Autrey Griffith.
Photo: Ellen Appel.