Cinderella be
winning the kingdom
One of the world’s most classic, iconic and ubiquitous tales, the “Cinderella” ballet can provide an entrée to universal themes and concepts useful in life and interdisciplinary topics within and beyond dance.
I especially enjoy teaching and revisiting “Cinderella” in the fall, what with the theme of harvesting the fruits of her actions, the supernatural elements, and the presence of pumpkins with which to make a magical coach in some versions of the story.
Teaching fairytales in ballet classes with all ages teaches virtues, storytelling and expression, musicality, technique, movement skills, and choreographic repertory, ballet history, appreciation, and criticism. They are a rich source of exploration and learning!
In this episode I experimented with recording it as a video (as I did for my interview in Podcast 50), then editing as audio for the pod and video (with illustrations) on YouTube. Further resources will be included in the companion blog article on ablythecoach.com
Books
- A Child's Introduction to Ballet by Laura Lee
- Balanchine’s Complete Stories of the Great Ballets by George Balanchine and Francis Mason
- The Ballet Companion by Eliza Gaynor Minden
- Favorite Ballets Coloring Book by Brenda Sneathen Mattox
- How to...Ballet by Jane Hackett
- Mein Buch der Schoensten Maerchen Illustrated by Verena Koertig
Website: Comparison of Grimm and Perrault versions of Cinderella
Music Playlists
- “Cinderella” Fairytale Ballet Story for Children / Creative Movement
- Prokofiev Cinderella Ballet (full)
YouTube Playlist: Ballet Stories
Blogs
- Adaptive Adult Summer Dance Intensive
- Roses Have Thorns: Time, Love, & Mortality in “Sleeping Beauty” …
Questions for Reflection
- What about the "Cinderella" story resonates for you? What rubs you the wrong way?
- What version of the story, ballet, or music is your favorite?
- What variation or choreography from the "Cinderella" ballet do you want to learn or create?
- What stories do you teach or revisit in the fall or seasonally?
- How are you celebrating the transition to Autumn?
Stay tuned on my YouTube Channel and Blog for more about living a luscious life!!
Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
A Blythe Coach: Dance Education & Coaching
move through life with balance, grace, & power