Festival Ballet of Providence’s starring couple, and local professional artists as well as students, bring comedy and theatrics to a beloved ballet in BTC’s ‘Cinderella.’

‘Stepsisters’ Calvin Bittner and Sam Schrader bring a comedic element to ‘Cinderella.’ Submitted photo

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Ballet Theatre Company (BTC), located in West Hartford, CT, is celebrating its 20th anniversary season this spring with the premiere of a beloved fairytale classic, Cinderella. This production will feature original choreography by the company’s new Artistic Director, Stephanie Dattellas, set to Prokofiev’s timeless score and will feature over 50 BTC student dancers and 14 professional guest artists.

Magnificent technique, artistry, unexpected comedy, and drama are all interwoven throughout BTC’s Cinderella storyline ensuring an experience to delight audiences of all ages. BTC is thrilled to welcome Kirsten Evans currently in her eighth season with Festival Ballet Providence (FBP) and Alan Alberto in his sixth to perform the starring roles of Cinderella and Prince Charming.

Kirsten Evans has been seen in numerous starring roles, including Wendy in Jorden Morris’ Peter Pan, and principal roles in George Balanchine’s Rubies, Apollo, and Allegro Brilliante. “It’s rare to find professional dancers who are equally brilliant in their technique as they are in their performance,” says BTC’s Artistic Director, Stephanie Dattellas. “Evans’ dancing is authentic, warm and breathtaking. Her heart is equally as wonderful. She is the perfect Cinderella.”

Alan Alberto, who will play BTC’S Prince Charming, began his training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. Highlights from his career include principal roles in Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco and Allegro Brillante; Romeo in Kozadayev’s Romeo & Juliet; and Prince Desiree in the Sleeping Beauty. This is his sixth season with FBP.

Fernanda Yamaguchi of Brazil joins BTC’s starring couple as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and lights up the stage with her grace and elegance. Calvin Bittner and Sam Schrader play Cinderella’s graceless and impetuous stepsisters. Their unique interpretation make their performances wonderfully, distinctive as they vie for the coveted prince.

Joseph Beltre, a company artist with Sonia Plumb, will be performing the role of the Prince’s Jester and a memorable, acrobatic pumpkin that magically turns into Cinderella’s carriage.

Cinderella’s evil stepmother and the mastermind behind the stepsister’s cruelty, will be played by Katie Bittner, who says, “BTC’s Cinderella has provided me with a local artistic outlet that has proven to be both challenging and exceedingly fun. I am thoroughly enjoying rehearsing alongside other professionals and fulfilling a role in which I can actively set an example for the students at BTC. Seeing a large professional production come together and being in that kind of immersive environment is exactly what they need.”

Since its founding in February of 1999, BTC has staged more than 75 ballet productions training nearly 1,000 aspiring dancers and brought the art of dance to over 10,000 underserved children in the greater Hartford area. Cinderella will be the company’s first, full scale spring ballet production.

Cinderella will be performed at Hoffman Auditorium at The University of Saint Joseph, 1678 Asylum Ave., West Hartford, CT. Shows are May 5 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and May 6 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, and $20 for students and children. Tickets are available online at www.dancebtc.org.

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Leads rehearse for ‘Cinderella.’ Submitted photo

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