Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Lifting the Curse

Charles Perrault’s “Sleeping Beauty” is one of the most popular fairy tales in the literary canon. Choreographer Marius Petipa’s adaptation of this story of a beautiful princess’ imposed slumber broken only by a kiss from a handsome prince became his finest achievement. Driven by Tchaikovsky’s score, the piece is considered by many to be the crown jewel of classical ballet. Nearly 100 years after the production’s 1890 premiere, the Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded. The internationally renowned company portrays this classic narrative by bringing mime and pas d’action to traditional elements performed on a lavishly designed stage that’s truly fit for royalty.