Ballet "Cinderella"

Cinderella – a Spectacular Ballet Coming to the Latvian National Opera on January 5, 2026

A dazzling collaboration of Europe’s finest ballet artists will unfold on the stage of the Latvian National Opera in early 2026, as Cinderella enchants audiences in a brand-new production set to the evocative music of Sergei Prokofiev.

This full-length ballet in two acts, choreographed and directed by Cristiano Principato, brings together a constellation of exceptional talent: guest artists from the Paris Opera Ballet, the Spanish National Dance Company (Madrid), Dutch National Ballet (Amsterdam), Finnish National Ballet (Helsinki), and Estonian National Ballet (Tallinn) will perform alongside Latvian dancers in a fairytale experience that bridges borders and unites traditions.

The world premiere of this production took place on March 5, 2024, at the Estonian National Opera to wide acclaim. Now, Latvian audiences are invited to witness this stunning international collaboration for the first time.

Cristiano Principato’s vision reimagines Cinderella with a deep reverence for classical heritage and a delicate neoclassical touch—an aesthetic signature of his stage work. In tribute to the legacy of Marius Petipa, the choreography radiates elegance, structure, and expressive clarity, while introducing modern sensitivity and dramatic nuance.

The ballet unfolds the beloved fairytale of love, magic, and transformation. Cinderella, imprisoned in drudgery by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, finds her destiny rewritten through kindness and grace. Thanks to the enchantment of her Fairy Godmother, she steps into a new world—and into the arms of a prince.

Known for its breathtaking pas de deux, playful comedic moments, and poetic romanticism, Cinderella also captivates with its lavish costumes and atmospheric staging. Sergei Prokofiev’s score underscores every emotion, bringing the story’s wonder to life with unforgettable musical richness.

This production promises an extraordinary evening for audiences of all ages—a magical beginning to the new year, and a powerful reminder that goodness, grace, and hope still carry great strength in today’s world.

CINDERELLA - Phillipa Chelsea mcCann South-African soloist at Estonian National Ballet

PRINCE - Joel Alexander Calstar-Fisher
British principal at Estonian National Ballet

STEPMOTHER – Ana Maria Gergely Romanian soloist at Vanemuine Ballet

GENEVIEVE, THE NAIVE STEPSISTER – Karina Laura Leškin Estonian demi-soloist at Estonian National Ballet

ANASTASIA, THE MEAN STEPSISTER – Anthea Van der Ham Italian dancer at Tivoli Ballet Theatre

THE FAIRY GODMOTHER – Abigail Payne American demi-soloist at Estonian National Ballet

THE BUTLER – Antonio Gallo Italian demi-soloist at Estonian National Ballet

THE SPRING FAIRY – Rio Morisawa Japanese dancer at Estonian National Ballet

THE SUMMER FAIRY – Sofia Zaman British dancer at Estonian National Ballet

THE AUTUMN FAIRY – Maarja Praks Estonian dancer at Vanemuine Ballet

THE WINTER FAIRY – Polina Sosimova Estonian dancer at Estonian National Ballet

FAIRIES’ CAVALIERS

Hidetora Tabe Japanese dancer at Estonian National Ballet

Jamie Bägemann Australian dancer at Estonian National Ballet

GENTLEMEN AT THE BALL

Luca Giovanetti Italian demi-soloist at Estonian National Ballet

Anatole Blaineau French dancer at Tivoli Ballet Theatre