Centralia Ballet Academy presents abridged 'Sleeping Beauty' June 1-2

May 22—The Centralia Ballet Academy will present the ballet "Sleeping Beauty" for two performances June 1-2.

"Dancers from Centralia Ballet will perform along with the timeless music of Tchaikovsky to create a wonderful experience," the Centralia Ballet Academy said in a news release. "This one act, narrated version of the classic ballet is the perfect way to introduce young, and not so young, audience members to this magical story."

The ballet follows the Princess Aurora from her christening, where she was cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse, to her 16th birthday celebration, where she pricks her finger on a spindle and falls asleep. After 100 years, she is found and awakened by Prince Désiré, and a chorus of fairy tale characters gather for their wedding.

Centralia Ballet Academy dancers previously performed the third act of the "Sleeping Beauty" ballet in 2021 as the academy's first live show after COVID-19 shutdowns.

A couple of the dancers in the upcoming "Sleeping Beauty" ballet, McKenna Bryan (Aurora in Acts 2-3) and Jamiah Wood (Princess Florine), previously danced in the 2021 show, though in different parts.

The show will feature new sets and new costumes, including nine "platter" tutus handmade by local costumer Emily Smith.

The Centralia Ballet Academy encourages all attendees to dress as their favorite storybook characters for the performances. Attendees will have a chance to meet and take photos with the dancers after the show.

There will also be a boutique and "magical treats" available.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. on June 1, following Centralia Ballet Academy's two annual recital performances; and 2 p.m. on June 2.

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online at centraliaballet.com or calling/texting 360-623-9010.

Owned by Mickey and Nancy Gunter, Centralia Ballet Academy provides students with "structured, disciplined, classically-based dance training in a positive, family-friendly environment at an affordable cost," according to the academy's website.

In addition to its spring ballet, the academy puts on an annual production of "The Nutcracker" at Christmastime.

Cast list

Aurora (Act 1)/Stepsister: Eliza Wilmont

Aurora (Acts 2-3): McKenna Bryan

Catalabutte, Master of Ceremonies/Narrator: Dan Maurer

Fairy of the Crystal Fountain/hunt scene duchess: Ari Hannum

Fairy of the Crystal Fountain/Jewel Fairy: Kyleigh Lloyd

Fairy of the Enchanted Garden/Diamond Fairy: Briana Smith

Fairy of the Woodland Glade/Stepsister: Stephanie San Souci

Fairy of Songbirds/Little Red Riding Hood: Lily Lennox

Fairy of the Golden Vine/Jewel Fairy: Kelsey Mullin

Lilac Fairy: Lydia Smith

Carabosse: Tess McMurry

Prince Désiré/suitor: Owen Hedgers

Suitors: Nicko Raynolds, Corwyn Raynolds

Aurora's friends/hunt scene villagers: Kaitlyn Bingisser, Jordan Larson, Elaina Porter, Marilyn Selin

Jewel Fairy: Tess McMurry,

White Cat/hunt scene villager: Adeline Wilhelmi

Puss in Boots: Carter Johnston

Princess Florine/hunt scene duchess: Jamiah Wood

Bluebird/suitor: Wesley Wilhelmi

The Wolf: Cael Best

Cinderella/hunt scene villager: Elsa Freeberg