RAPID CITY, S.D. — A timeless fairy tale will come to life on stage in Rapid City when the World Ballet Company brings its production of Cinderella to The Monument’s Fine Arts Theatre on March 24.
Gulya Hartwick, co founder of the World Ballet Company, said the touring production has already delighted audiences across the country. The company travels to more than 300 cities and has introduced ballet to many people who are experiencing it for the first time.
“We managed to bring the most wonderful ballet productions to over three hundred cities all across the country,” Hartwick said. “A lot of our audiences are new to ballet.”
Their production of Cinderella has already been seen by more than 300,000 people and continues to bring audiences of all ages to theaters nationwide.
The performance in Rapid City follows a previous visit from the company, when they introduced their production of The Great Gatsby to local audiences.
Hartwick said this version of Cinderella draws inspiration from the classic story written by Charles Perrault and combines it with the elegance of Johann Strauss waltzes. The result is a vibrant performance that blends traditional ballet with modern theatrical elements.
“Our version is different,” Hartwick said. “We combine it with the elegance of Johann Strauss waltzes and original choreography, along with fun multimedia elements and projections.”
The show is designed to appeal to longtime ballet fans as well as people who may be attending their first ballet performance.
“It’s a very joyful show,” Hartwick said. “We hear so much laughter during the performance.”
She said that while some ballets can be dramatic or emotional, Cinderella is lighthearted and playful, making it a perfect experience for families.
The production also celebrates the craftsmanship of traditional theater. Sets are still hand painted on large canvas backdrops, honoring long standing stage traditions, and every costume in the production is handmade.
“All the costumes are vivid and amazing,” Hartwick said. “Everything is hand sewn, and the scenery is hand painted to honor the traditions of classical theater.”
The story’s colorful characters, including Cinderella’s stepsisters and stepmother, often become favorites among audiences and spark conversations long after the curtain falls.
Hartwick said the performance is especially magical for children.
“We see so many little princesses and princes in the audience,” she said. “During intermission you often see those little princesses trying to repeat the dancers’ steps. It’s so adorable to watch.”
The company will be in Rapid City for just one day and one performance, making it a special opportunity for Black Hills audiences to see a large touring ballet production close to home.
The World Ballet Company will perform Cinderella on March 24 at 7 p.m. at the Fine Arts Theatre inside The Monument.
Tickets are available at themonument.live
