Erica Horwood

Christopher Wheeldon's acclaimed new Cinderella for the Dutch National Ballet is an imaginative interpretation of a much-loved classic. Inspired by the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Wheeldon gives the characters renewed depth and complexity, complementing Prokofiev's celebrated and colorful score. With sets and costumes by the renowned designer Julian Crouch, supported by stunning stage effects, this world premiere production is a truly magical experience, bringing an age-old fairy tale into the 21st century.

When everyone in town falls under the spell of charismatic cosmetic surgeon Doctor Coppelius, feisty Swan must act to save her sweetheart Franz, before his heart is used to spark life into Coppelia – the ‘perfect’ robot-woman the Doctor has created.

The story of Giselle tells of the shattered love of a young peasant girl who believes she has found the man of her dreams in Albrecht, only to discover he is promised to another. This betrayal causes her downfall, but even beyond death, her love remains unbroken… Through her forgiveness, Giselle transcends betrayal and restores a form of peace, as powerful as the love she has lost. This version from the Dutch National Ballet, directed by Rachel Beaujean and Ricardo Bustamante, revisits Giselle while staying true to the essence of the iconic choreography by Marius Petipa, after Perrot and Coralli. The production combines precise and expressive choreography with sets and costumes that elegantly support the narrative: a perfect setting for stars Olga Smirnova and Jacopo Tissi, who bring the doomed couple to life with masterful intensity.