Ballet company performs 'Cinderella' for Mother's Day show

"When she had done her work, she used to go into the chimney-corner, and sit down among cinders and ashes, which made her commonly be called...Cinderella."  

This legendary story by Charles Perrault brings together the mesmerizing music of Sergei Prokofiev, diverse choreography of Marisa Roth and the talented young artists of the Northwest Ballet Company for another spectacular performance.  

This Mother's Day weekend marks the Northwest Ballet Company's 45th annual spring production, to be held at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts. 

Roth states with a smile, "The girls are really stepping into their roles and thriving in their personal renditions of stepsisters, or fairies, or cobblers, or whatever it is I seem to throw their way; what inspiring, responsive, artistic dancers they have become!"  

The last time the Northwest Ballet Company performed "Cinderella" was the year it premiered in 2014. 

Then BCPA President Ardi Aiken reached out to Marisa to share, "I attended the matinee on Saturday with my daughter-in-law and 3-year-old granddaughter. It was such fun to introduce her to ballet. Thank you for bringing this wonderful art form to the Bigfork Center stage, Marisa. My best to you for continued success."  

At that time Ardi had been bringing another one of her granddaughters to the Northwest Ballet Company's "Nutcracker" production for the past 15 years. 

Glacier High School Junior and Northwest Ballet Company Soloist Marygrace Knuffke reflects on dancing the roll of Cinderella herself, "I've loved every second I've gotten to spend immersing myself into the life of a character. My pas de deux partner Malachi and my teacher Miss Marisa have supported me so much and I've been able to grow as a dancer and accomplish new skills. This has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl and it still feels so surreal."

Reserved seating tickets for the Northwest Ballet Company's event are available at northwestballet.com or their Facebook page. Performances are Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 11, at 4 p.m..  

They are hosting their popular Fairy Godmother's Parade following the 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday in the theater.  

Ticket prices are $24 adults, and $15 children (12 and under). 

On show days, tickets will be available at the Bigfork Center's box office, 526 Electric Avenue, Bigfork, one hour before the performances start.  For more information, please call the Northwest Ballet at (406)755-0760, e-mail them at info@northwestballet.com, or visit northwestballet.com.

    Northwest Ballet Company guest Malachi Bennetts as the prince. (Digital Montana Photography)
  

    Northwest Ballet Company soloist Mallory James as the fairy godmother. (Digital Montana Photography)