A Spellbound Evening at the State Theatre with Cinderella Ballet
On Saturday night, I attended Cinderella at the State Theatre, performed by the cast of World Ballet Company, and the evening felt magical from the very start. Walking into the theater, I was greeted by a sea of young girls dressed in glittering princess gowns, their eyes wide with anticipation. That sense of wonder set the tone perfectly for a fairytale-filled performance. y.
World Ballet Company lives up to its name in every sense. The cast is exceptionally diverse, featuring dancers from across the globe. From Slovakia to Belarus to Japan and beyond. For the Minneapolis performance, Ekaterina Lukianova of Russia graced the stage as Cinderella, with Igor Leushin of Uzbekistan portraying the Prince. Their performances brought warmth and sincerity to the story, making the classic romance feel both heartfelt and accessible to audiences of all ages.
This Cinderella is a visually spectacular production that blends classical ballet with a Broadway-style flair. With a cast of 40 international dancers, over 150 dazzling hand-sewn costumes, and elegant hand-crafted sets, every scene felt richly detailed and thoughtfully designed. The mischievous stepsisters added humor and levity, drawing genuine laughter from the audience, while the grand ballroom scenes were breathtaking in their scale and elegance.
Photos via World Ballet Company
Choreographed by Marina Kesler, the ballet balanced grace and storytelling beautifully. Each movement felt purposeful, advancing the narrative while showcasing the technical skill of the dancers. The enchanting score, featuring music by Johann Strauss II along with the original Time theme composed by Anna Drubich, heightened both the romance and the urgency of the story, especially as the clock crept closer to midnight. During the final scenes, the production effectively created a sense of urgency and time slipping away through experimental visuals and fast‑paced music.
What made the night especially memorable was how welcoming the performance felt. This was not an intimidating or overly abstract ballet, but one filled with charm, humor, and a genuine sense of happily ever after. It delighted children experiencing ballet for the first time just as much as seasoned theatergoers.
World Ballet Company’s Cinderella was a reminder of why this story has endured for generations. It was magical, funny, tender, and visually stunning, an unforgettable journey filled with beauty, love, and just enough sparkle to make you believe in fairy tales again.
Photos via World Ballet Company
