World premiere fairy tale ballet <i>CINDERELLA</i>

Junior Ballet Antwerp is a pre-professional program in the form of a 'junior company'. The initiative forms a bridge between graduation and starting work in a full professional company.

Fairy tales usually have their origins in folk tales. Cinderella is one of them. Known worldwide by everyone. Variations on the theme can be found in countries such as China, Russia, Persia and Asia. The first written European version dates from 1634 and was written down by the Neapolitan Gianbattista Basile. With us, the version by the brothers Grimm is especially well known. Many artists were inspired by it.

Prokofiev composed Cinderella in the war years 1940-1944. This ballet, also known by the name Cinderella, is a strong and colorful work not progressive or extravagant, but composed according to the standards of a traditional full-length ballet in three acts. It had its premiere in 1945 at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.

The making of

Alain Honorez, former principal of the Royal Ballet Flanders, was not only a fantastic soloist, the star of many a dance performance, but he is also a man of enterprise and vision. Lack of ideas is not in his dictionary. Together with his wife, dancer and choreographer Altea Nuñez, he founded Junior Ballet Antwerp in 2019. The fairy tale Cinderella was adapted by the two of them for Junior Ballet Antwerp into a contemporary story and ballet spectacular. Completely tailored to the young dancers of JBA. With 12 girls and barely 3 boys, this required a lot of puzzle work so that everyone could have a turn. This fact is simple and complex at the same time. Fifth-year students from the Royal Ballet School and some young children from Prins Dries were called upon. This results in a total cast of 33 dancers. They shine in 130 beautiful costumes by Jolien Deweerdt. To be seen in the magical, enchanting set of the Handelsbeurs.

Classical ballet and stardust

This family performance is pure magic for children. In this production, Alain Honorez displays his broad artistry, inventiveness and creativity and last but not least his great love for classical ballet. As a cherry on top, new possibilities are deployed and explored. Conceptual, spatial and dramaturgical thinking go hand in hand. The beautiful interior of the Handelsbeurs becomes the template. With 3D mapping, stunning results are achieved in a picturesque atmosphere creation. You might even think you're in wonderland. Cinderella is a beautiful visual spectacle, a cinematic experience, thanks to Julie & Tibaut Coppens. The live accompaniment by the Belgian Chamber Philharmonic Casco Phil provides vibrant energy. Conductor Michiel Delanghe oversees clear orchestral colors.

Alain Honorez took the libretto firmly in hand. In the storytelling, he adds a dimension. Psychology and sociology put the story on a broad track. Navigates between dream and reality. The fairy tale has rough edges: the death of the mother. Taken in by another family, Cinderella receives no warm welcome, nor tenderness. She is exploited by the moody stepmother. Her stepsisters, two spoiled brats, provoke and bully her (the 'Week Against Bullying' just passed - so a current and recognizable item for youth). Together with his life partner dancer/choreographer Altea Nuñez, Alain Honorez let himself be guided by the richness of the music in an inventive, playful dance language with punch and attention to detail.

The assertiveness and brutality of the stepsisters contrasts with the shy ingénue Cinderella. Ensemble scenes, with perfectly executed simultaneous steps and graceful arm movements alternate with impressive solos, large and small jumps, pirouettes, much pointe work and at the end a beautiful, touching pas de deux. All the ingredients you would expect from a classical ballet are present. The young dancers are bundles of energy and know how to convey a variety of emotions through playfulness and dance joy.

JBA engages all your senses. Cinderella is earthly with sparks of supernatural forces. The artistic director of JBA wants to use this production to give a sign of hope and beauty in a time full of negativity and uncertainty. A performance bursting with energy, playfulness and wonder. There is a lot going on. Every little detail is perfect. Magic is being created on stage.

Dancers/choreographers Altea Nuñez and Alain Honorez display their versatility in a beautiful, sensually pleasing spectacle. There is no age limit to the emotions that art and culture awaken. Both big and small were captivated by what happened.

During the ten performances there are different cast configurations. JBA has three boys. They each get the chance to play the prince. At the premiere, Akihito Shimogata was seen as the prince with Natsuki Nishiyama as Cinderella. The stepsisters were played by Laura Flügel and Soazig Drion, stepmother Altea Nuñez. This performance showcases the potential of the dancers completely. It is pure enjoyment to see how everything is put together.

This weekend marks the beginning of Spring Break. Feed your vacation cravings and book a ticket quickly for this beautiful and heartwarming ballet.

Music: Sergei Prokofiev

Choreography: Altea Nuñez & Alain Honorez