Castle Pines ballerinas bring Cinderella to DU
Alex Gray and Avalon Kirby perfecting their ballet moves in the studio.
By Kathy Dunker
The International Youth Ballet has a brand new production coming to Denver University (DU) this month; namely “Cinderella.” Led by the company’s Artistic Directors Mark and Sandra Carlson, the performances will be at the Newman Center Gates Concert Hall on Saturday, June 4, at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 pm.
Four Castle Pines residents will be performing in the show. Avalon Kirby and Alex Gray, fourth graders from King’s Crossing and Stonecroft respectively, along with sisters tenth grader Sarah Foley and eighth grader Megan Foley. The enchanting classic with lavish European sets and handmade costumes promises to be quite a success. Gray remarked, “As I train with Mark and Sandra, I am stronger every day as a person and a dancer. My friendships are forever!”
Mark Carlson said about the company, “We are building a repertoire that began two years ago with ‘Peter Pan,’ continued last year with ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ then this year with ‘Cinderella,’ and next year will be ‘Sleeping Beauty.’ All ballets are interesting to a broad public and are created to develop our young dancers over the years. ‘Cinderella,’ with its beautiful sets, costumes and decor, coupled with the comedic aspects of the production, lends itself especially well to our repertoire.”
More than 40 dancers from the International Ballet School, along with eight guest artists with international resumes, will perform the fairy tale, perfect for guests of all ages. Following the 2:30 p.m. show, guests are invited to stay for autographs and to take photos with dancers, including the Fairy Godmother, the Prince, the Wicked Stepmother and, of course, Cinderella herself. Prince and princess costumes are welcomed.
Kirby’s mom, Jessica, remarked, “The International Youth Ballet does such a wonderful production by combining students with professional dancers, professional sets, and professional costumes to put on a wonderful ballet at a bargain price!” Foleys’ mom, Beth, added, “This company does an incredibly professional job for a youth ballet, and the kids really rise to the challenge!”
For tickets to Cinderella please call 720- 283-6323 or send e-mail tickets@internationalyouthballet.com.
