Gaston dance school to deliver a new spin on Cinderella

Chloe Collins, Gaston Gazette
Updated ·2 min read
Morgan Wallace, playing the fairy godmother, casts a spell on Cinderella, played by Tatum Nelson.
Morgan Wallace, playing the fairy godmother, casts a spell on Cinderella, played by Tatum Nelson.

The Gaston Dance Theatre, Gastonia’s only non-profit dance school, is gearing up for its spring showing of Cinderella.

The modern spin on a classic princess story will incorporate classic ballet, contemporary choreography, piano music, and more, according to Artistic Director Camilla Bullard.

“It’s a celebration of art for sure,” she said.

Gaston Dance Theatre has been in operation since 1982.

Bullard herself attended the dance school as a child, became an instructor as a young adult, and is now the school’s director.

Gaston Dance Theatre Director Camilla Bullard is joined by ballerina Grace Colon as she watches the dancers rehearse.
Gaston Dance Theatre Director Camilla Bullard is joined by ballerina Grace Colon as she watches the dancers rehearse.

Some of the same costumes Bullard wore during productions in her youth are still being used by dancers at the school today, she said.

As a kid, the shows Bullard was part of were traditional ballets with no live music or other art forms.

Today, times have changed and traditional ballets have opened up more to collaboration with other art forms like singing, music and live instruments playing in the background of a performance, Bullard said.

These changes have largely led to more creative freedom and an increased audience count at many shows.

According to Bullard, the dance school’s annual Nutcracker show sold out last December for the first time in the theater's history.

For the production of Cinderella, the collaborations between ballet and other art forms has allowed Bullard to bring a modern spin to the show.

This production of Cinderella will dig deeper than the classic love story and showcase a statement about Cinderella standing on her own two feet and not taking the time she has for granted.

Performances will be at 7 p.m. April 19, and shows at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on April 20 at Gaston Christian School.

The cost to attend is $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $10 for children under five years old.

Proceeds from ticket sales go toward funding scholarships for the dancers, costumes, set designs, and other operational expenses, Bullard said.

Ballerinas enjoying time together during a long Saturday rehearsal at the Gaston Dance Theatre.
Ballerinas enjoying time together during a long Saturday rehearsal at the Gaston Dance Theatre.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston dance school to deliver a new spin on Cinderella