Cinderella

We are listening to Sergei Prokofiev’s 1945 score, a work that shifts from delicate, shimmering melodies to moments of heavy, rhythmic intensity. In this production by Michael Pink, you will hear how the music drives the narrative without the need for spoken dialogue. We suggest listening for the way Prokofiev uses specific instrumental motifs to represent different characters; the clock’s mechanical ticking is particularly striking as it signals the end of the ball. The evening is shaped by two intervals, allowing the drama of the palace scenes and the tension of the search for the glass slipper to unfold at a measured pace. The choreography aims to ground the fairy tale in a tangible emotional reality, moving beyond simple caricature. You can expect the woodwinds to carry the lighter, more whimsical moments, while the lower brass and percussion sections ground the story in its more ominous, dark undertones.

Northern Ballet is a Leeds-based ensemble known for its focus on narrative-driven dance and cinematic storytelling. They have a long-standing reputation for bringing literary and classical tales to life through expressive movement and detailed characterisation. Conducting for this performance is Daryl Griffith, a musician experienced in bridging the worlds of orchestral concert music and theatrical scores. Under his direction, the orchestra provides the live pulse for the company’s dancers, ensuring the rhythmic complexities of the twentieth-century score are met with precision and dramatic flair.

This performance at the Leeds Grand Theatre is a substantial evening of dance, with a total running time of approximately two hours and forty minutes, including two intervals. Because the narrative is conveyed entirely through movement and music, it is an accessible choice for those new to ballet who may be familiar with the original story. As a formal theatrical production, there is no specific dress code, though many attendees choose smart-casual attire. The venue is located in central Leeds and serves as the home stage for this particular ensemble.