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Clock dwarfs, a fairy godmother and pirouetting dancers took the stage of Laxson Auditorium Thursday night as Chico Community Ballet presented the classic fairy tale Cinderella.
This year’s production included Chico Community Ballet members and local dancers ages 6-60. With a diverse cast, the bar was set high for talent.
Artistic director Deborah Jorritsma’s goal was to bring creativity to Charles Perrault’s story through ballet.
The story of Cinderella is the most familiar and popular of fairy tales and is also one of history’s most famous curfews, Jorritsma said. Her goal in the choreography was to create a ballet satisfying to both children and adults through a richness of imagination.
Cameryn Titus, a Chico Community Ballet member for 12 years, portrayed the role of Cinderella.
“The joy I get out of dancing and performing leads to a more entertaining and enjoyable performance for audience members to watch”
– Cameryn Titus, actress
“This is one of my favorite ballets I have performed in. The story itself is magical,” said Titus.
With help from furry friends and her fairy godmother, Cinderella was sent off to the ball and whisked away by the prince. When midnight struck, she transformed back into rags and the only clue left was one tiny glass slipper.
As the hunt fizzled, the prince discovered Cinderella under all the soot and found that she was the key to the missing glass slipper. The fairy godmother prepared a wedding and they lived happily ever after.
“The joy I get out of dancing and performing leads to a more entertaining and enjoyable performance for audience members to watch,” said Titus
Chicoans Lauri Burelson and Norma Soto-Nannery came to the ballet to support Burelson’s neighbor, Catherine Ricci, who played one of the stepsisters.
“I loved the little kids that were representing a clock and the gracefulness of their arms,” Burelson said.
Soto-Nannery also admired the dancer’s dedication in the dance.
“The music was lovely,” she said. “The girls were so polished — it was amazing how they are all on their toes and the little kids have a discipline you don’t see anymore.”
Jennifer Jacobs can be reached at featureseditor@theorion.com or @theorion_news on Twitter.
