World Ballet Company Brings Cinderella to Civic Theatre
World Ballet Company is staging Cinderella at the Civic Theatre, and if you’re thinking this is going to be a small-scale production, think again. We’re talking 40 international dancers, over 150 hand-sewn costumes, hand-crafted sets, and choreography by Marina Kesler.
This is a Broadway-style production that takes the fairy tale seriously while still leaning into the humor and charm that makes the story work.
What Sets This Apart
The production uses music by Johann Strauss II with a “Time” theme composed by Anna Drubich, which gives it a distinct sound compared to other Cinderella ballets you might have seen.
The choreography balances classical ballet technique with moments designed to appeal to all ages – the mischievous evil stepsisters bring comedy, while the ballroom scenes deliver the visual spectacle you’d expect from a story about transformation and romance.
The scale matters here. Forty dancers on stage creates a fullness that smaller productions can’t match, especially during ensemble scenes. And those 150+ costumes aren’t generic rentals – they’re hand-sewn specifically for this production, which shows in the details when you’re watching from the audience.
A Fairy Tale That Still Works
Cinderella endures because it hits universal themes – transformation, hope, the idea that circumstances can change in a single night. World Ballet Company is staging it in a way that respects those themes while making the production visually impressive enough to hold attention in 2025.
The promise of “happily ever after” might feel outdated in some contexts, but in a ballet where the clock striking midnight literally changes everything, it works.
The production is designed to delight all ages, which is a tricky balance. You need enough sophistication to keep adults engaged while maintaining the magic and humor that kids respond to.
Based on the setup – professional-level dancers, elaborate production design, and thoughtful choreography – World Ballet Company seems to understand how to thread that needle.
See you there!
Experience a fairy tale done right – with the production values, talent, and artistry to make you believe in magic for a couple of hours.
📆 Friday, November 14, 7 PM
📍 1100 Third Ave, San Diego
🎟️ Get tickets here
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
