My First Ballet: Cinderella
Overview
Meet the nature-loving Cinderella, who lives on the edge of an enchanted forest where she once gardened and sang with her mother. After loss and silence settle over her home, she’s left with a sharp-tongued stepmother, two noisy stepsisters, and a house full of chores and shadows.
But when a letter arrives, inviting all to a Garden Ball, Cinderella’s journey to find her true self begins – guided by the spirit of her mother and the magic of the forest.
With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened, recorded version of Prokofiev’s ravishing score, this is the perfect introduction to ballet, and a fantastic family day out.
This new production by English National Ballet is choreographed by George Williamson and performed by students of the English National Ballet School Graduate Artists Programme.
Main Image: Illustration by Zara Picken
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Introducing children to theatre with My First Ballet: Cinderella
My First Ballet: Cinderella – Trailer
My First Ballet: Cinderella Rehearsal Video
What to expect from ENB’s Accessible Performances of My First Ballet: Cinderella
Learn the steps of My First Ballet: Cinderella
Explore the story
Discover the Plot
Prologue
Cinderella, or ‘Ella’, lives at the edge of the forest where she grows up close to nature. Guided by her Mother, she learns to care for all living things and becomes gentle, curious, and kind.
Her happy, peaceful life changes when her Mother dies and her father disappears. A strict Stepmother and two unruly Stepsisters take over her home, filling it with rules, noise, and endless demands. Ella’s Stepmother dislikes nature and forbids her from going outside or talking to the animals she loves. She keeps Ella busy with chores and builds a Scarecrow to scare the birds away.
Though treated unkindly, Ella keeps her love of the forest alive and secretly dreams of being free.
Act 1
When the cottage is quiet, a Woman from the Woods appears at the door, cold and lost. Ella welcomes her and offers simple kindness. In return, the Woman shares a small, special gift and some encouraging words before vanishing into the forest. Ella feels this kindness beginning to change the world around her. She dances with the Scarecrow and feels hopeful once more.
Not long after, an invitation arrives for Prince Rowan’s Garden Ball, celebrating all who love nature. The Stepsisters are delighted, but Ella is told she cannot go. As the family prepare, the Stepsisters try on outfits and take a dance lesson that quickly turns to chaos. At last, they leave for the palace and Ella is left behind.
Alone, Ella dances with the Scarecrow once more, imagining herself at the Garden Ball and wishing she could be there. The Woman from the Woods returns and reveals herself as Ella’s Fairy Godmother. As she speaks, the world around Ella starts to change…
The Scarecrow comes to life, joined by animals from the nearby forest: Spring Hare, Summer Stag, Autumn Fox and Winter Owl. With their help and a touch of Fairy Godmother magic, Ella is transformed. She is dressed in flowers, leaves, and living things, and carried to the ball in a magical carriage. The Fairy Godmother gently warns her that the magic will last only until midnight.
Act 2
The palace garden is alive with music and dancing, filled with guests all hoping to impress the Prince. The Stepsisters’ disastrous efforts backfire. Overwhelmed, the Prince slips away into a quieter part of the garden.
There, he meets Ella. Drawn to her gentle presence, they dance together and feel an instant connection. Their happiness is cut short when the clock strikes midnight. Ella hurries away, leaving behind one shoe. The Prince vows to find its owner.
Guided by the forest, the Prince searches for the girl whose foot fits the shoe. When he arrives at Ella’s cottage, both Stepsisters try to squeeze into it – but fail. Ella steps forward, and the shoe fits her perfectly.
Reunited with the Prince, Ella chooses kindness over revenge and sends her stepfamily on their way. Rather than rush back to the palace, Ella and the Prince return to the forest, where they live happily ever after.
Meet the team
George Williamson
Sergei Prokofiev
Adam Peck
Rachael Canning
Stevie Mackie
Meet the Principal Cast
My First Ballet: Cinderella is generously supported by the Maria Björnson Memorial Fund.
Performances
Lighthouse, Poole
Grand Opera House York
Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
Newcastle Theatre Royal
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