Raising the curtain to an impressive cast of local dancers! After a year working extremely hard to reach the level required to perfect the technique of classical ballet, Johane Casabene’s dancers, are now busy rehearsing and adding the final touches to their forthcoming production – the magical ballet, Cinderella.
“It is my great pleasure to stage this production since it has been a dream of mine for many years. As a dancer, interpreting the role of Cinderella is a great challenge from a technical and artistic aspect and an honour to bring to the public such a noble character we all remember from our bedtime stories. As a producer and choreographer, I have encouraged my dancers to reach higher levels of performance by learning the repertoire of one of the greatest ballet masters, Frederick Ashton, all to the inspiring music of Prokofiev” - Johane Casabene.
The soloists have all undergone professional training overseas at such dance institutions as Libera Universita’ di Danza e Teatro – Italy, Central Academy of Ballet – London, Royal Academy of Dance – London, Laban – London and San Francisco Ballet School - America. They will be leading the corps de ballet consisting of very talented students from the Conservatoire, all of whom attend between six and sixteen hours of class each week.
Assistant Choreographer and dancer Dorian Mallia, says, “It is a great challenge for me to dance as the Prince in Cinderella. My solos include most of steps from the virtuousity of male ballet repertoire. Having studied such solos abroad, it is now fabulous to have the opportunity to perform it in my home country. There is also some interesting partnerwork which include a number of spectacular lifts which the audience should appreciate.”
No effort has been spared in adding the right sparkle to this production! From the little Swarovskis, representing star dust sewn on the costumes to the carriage which floats across the stage taking Cinderella to the ball, a team of designers, seamstresses and artists combined their imagination to raise the curtain on a visual spectacle. Oscar winner, Peter Howitt brought his wonderful experience of producing similar scenery in Covent Garden to St. Agatha’s Auditorium.
Tickets are being sold from the school at E12 for adults and Euro 6 for children under 10 years. Families, dance lovers and dance students are encouraged to attend this spectacle.
The school is currently taking registrations for the new term starting in September 2008. For further details visit www.casabene.com or email: [email protected]. Phone enquiries; 9942-7933, 2131-3690.