Moscow Festival Ballet Presents 'The Sleeping Beauty' and 'Cinderella'

The exquisite Moscow Festival Ballet transports Fairfax audiences to a world of fairy tale princesses, malevolent villains, storybook kingdoms and heroic princes when it presents two of the most cherished fairy tale ballets of all time this weekend.

Under the direction of Sergei Radchenko, the Moscow Festival Ballet returns to , performing “The Sleeping Beauty” on Friday, April 13, at 8 p.m. and “Cinderella” on Saturday, April 14, at 4 p.m.

Considered the crowning jewel of renowned choreographer Marius Petipa’s career, “The Sleeping Beauty” is the magical tale of a beautiful princess who waits in slumber to be awakened by the kiss of her prince. Opulent costumes and sets, Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score – which he thought was perhaps the best piece of music he ever wrote – and the elegant movements of these extraordinary dancers result in an evening of breathtaking artistry. 

“Cinderella” is the story of a virtuous young servant girl who is tormented by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. With the help of her benevolent fairy godmother, Cinderella is magically transformed so she can attend the royal ball. There, she captures the heart of the prince, who must find her after the spell wears off, using only the slipper she left behind. With its sumptuous costumes, lush scenery, comical stepsisters and exuberant score by Prokofiev, “Cinderella” is one of the most enchanting and jubilant ballets of all time. 

The Moscow Festival Ballet also performs “Giselle” at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas on Thursday, April 12, at 8 p.m.

Tickets for  “The Sleeping Beauty” and “Cinderella” are $27, $46, $54 per performance. Family Friendly tickets are half priced for youth through grade 12 when accompanied by an adult. Charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit cfa.gmu.edu. The Center for the Arts complex is located on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123. Paid parking is located in the deck adjacent to the mainstage Concert Hall and free parking is located in university Lot K.