The Sleeping Beauty

Widely regarded as a benchmark in traditional ballet, the National Ballet of Ukraine has never failed to impress ever since their first international tour all the way back in the 1950s. Sleeping Beauty was first presented as a ballet in St. Petersburg in 1890. The company of 42 dancers from the National Ballet of Ukraine will be performing at the Dubai Opera as a part of the 150th anniversary celebrations this year.

The ‘en pointe’ style of ballet practiced by this troupe is particularly famous for making it seem like the dancers are gracefully floating across the stage as they perform. Accompanied by a symphonic orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s immortal composition, incredible costume and set design, and brilliant lighting, the show is set to be one of the best this season at the Dubai Opera.

The Story

When Princess Aurora is born to King Florestan the XXIVth and his Queen, they announce a lofty christening ceremony. Various virtues like charm, gentleness, bravery, and musical skill are gifted to the young Aurora by the six fairies who are invited to the ceremony. The evil fairy Carabosse, however, does not receive an invitation from the royal couple. The palace grows dark and Carabosse enters accompanied by a clap of thunder. She curses the young princess and declares that she will die on her sixteenth birthday when she is pricked by a spindle. Is Princess Aurora’s fate sealed? Can the powerful Lilac Fairy intervene and save the princess? Watch this classic tale unfold before your eyes!

Good for

Classical Music Buffs | Fans of Ballet | Family Audiences

Critics Reviews

"So radiant were their performances that it was sometimes hard to focus on the big issue: of whether the Royal Ballet has, finally, regained the rights to Sleeping Beauty."
–The Guardian