Cinderella at 80, Part 1 — Why Cinderella Still Enchants Us
- Roman Mykyta
- Nov 8
- 5 min read
This post launches my 5-part series “Cinderella at 80 — The Enduring Magic of Prokofiev’s Ballet,” exploring how Prokofiev’s masterpiece continues to inspire dancers, choreographers, and audiences worldwide.
Eighty years ago, in the midst of a world at war, Sergei Prokofiev brought to life one of ballet’s most unforgettable heroines — Cinderella. In his hands, a familiar fairy tale became a story of resilience, grace, and hope.
In this five-part series, I revisit Cinderella as both artist and admirer — tracing her journey from ancient myth to the Soviet stage, through landmark Western productions, and finally to the ways she continues to inspire movement and creativity in my own work. Adapted from a compilation of my own research, writing, and choreographic exploration, this series celebrates the cultural, musical, and personal legacy of Prokofiev’s masterpiece.
Join me in honoring eight decades of transformation, beauty, and magic.
Why Cinderella Still Enchants Us
When asked about my favorite ballet, I usually think across categories: my favorite comedy is Coppélia, my favorite tragedy is Scheherazade, and my favorite abstract ballet is Dances at a Gathering. Yet above all, my absolute favorite is Cinderella. This month, we celebrate its 80th anniversary, and it is still as enchanting today as it was at its premiere.
What makes Cinderella so enduring? Part of its appeal lies in its seamless blend of emotional depth and whimsy. The ballet balances pathos and humor in a way few narrative ballets achieve. Its original libretto tells a clear, heartfelt story while giving room for memorable dance sequences. Prokofiev’s score amplifies the emotional range: it evokes the magic of the fairy godmother’s transformations, the grandeur o
f the prince’s court, and the bittersweet longing of the heroine herself. The ballet’s world alternates between the earthly and the ethereal — the home and hearth of Cinderella’s trials, the open-air fantasy of her magical journey, and the majestic palace where she ultimately finds belonging. This layered storytelling gives the ballet both realism and spiritual resonance.
Cinderella is unique among narrative ballets because its choreography is not fixed. Unlike older classics with rigidly codified steps, Cinderella has been interpreted by generations of choreographers, each bringing a fresh lens while honoring the original vision. My artistic mentor, Dianna Cuatto, noted that the Bolshoi Theatre premiere should be considered the first “contemporary” ballet. Even for the Royal Ballet, Frederick Ashton’s 1948 staging became the company’s first full-length original work. Twenty-first-century productions continue this tradition, experimenting with modern stagecraft, stylized interpretations, and narrative nuance while preserving the timeless charm.
At its heart, Cinderella captivates because it tells a story we all recognize — one of transformation, perseverance, and hope. But understanding its full appeal requires looking at the deeper origins of the tale. The story itself predates Prokofiev by centuries, and it has evolved across cultures and epochs.
A Tale Across Time and Cultures
As Prokofiev noted,
“The fairy tale about Cinderella is encountered in many nations, many peoples.”
Indeed, versions of Cinderella exist around the globe. Bruno Bettelheim, in The Uses of Enchantment, traces the earliest written account to 9th-century China, though the story had likely been told for generations prior. Bettelheim highlights the universal dynamics of sibling rivalry and virtue: the younger, pious protagonist is oppressed by a more powerful older sibling — a motif seen in biblical figures such as Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, and Joseph. In these stories, despite trials and persecution, the virtuous younger sibling rises to a position of grace — just as Cinderella does.
The story also contains mystical and symbolic elements. Lucius Apuleius’s myth of Psyche and Eros offers striking parallels: both couples navigate obstacles, magical interventions, and concealed identities before achieving union. In Perrault’s version, the fairy godmother transforms Cinderella with a pumpkin, mice, and lizards; in the Grimm Brothers’ telling, her mother’s spirit guides her through birds and the magical tree at her mother’s grave. Both traditions emphasize Cinderella’s harmony with the natural world and highlight the importance of trust, virtue, and divine or mystical intervention.
Even the fairy tale’s enduring lessons speak to its universal resonance. Bettelheim explains that children can identify with Cinderella in different ways: some, wrestling with darker impulses or uncomfortable feelings within themselves, cast themselves penitentially in her role, believing they deserve suffering or isolation. Others, recognizing unfair treatment or mistreatment by others, relate to her sense of injustice. In both cases, the ever-hopeful Cinderella offers a vision of redemption, and by the story’s end she embodies the earned virtues of mercy and grace. The ballet magnifies these lessons through expressive movement and music: Cinderella’s gestures communicate longing, joy, and triumph, while her eventual union with the prince offers a tangible vision of hope.
Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm represent the most well-known Western iterations. Perrault’s 1697 version, written in the refined style of Louis XIV’s court, emphasizes grace and the magical role of benevolent figures:
“The true secret to beauty is grace…Lends a charm to all you do. This it was — and nothing less — Cinderella’s fairy dress!”
The Grimm versions, published in the 19th century, are more romantic and physically animated. They emphasize earthly struggle, mystical encounters, and a connection to the outdoors, lending the story a tangible, human texture even as it touches the fantastic.
Why the Ballet Endures
The genius of Prokofiev’s Cinderella is that it channels these rich layers of narrative, myth, and psychology into a living, breathing ballet. His score differentiates Cinderella’s inner world — her suffering, her longing, and her love for the prince — with distinct musical themes. The suffering motif is understated yet poignant, the longing theme lyrical and ethereal, and the love theme elevated yet grounded, communicating the reality of human emotion even in a magical setting. The prince’s music is heroic, resonating with strength and nobility, creating a dialogue between earthly realism and fairy-tale wonder.
Choreographically, the ballet captures both the classical lineage and the innovations of its time. Even seemingly minor roles, like the Stepsisters, are choreographed to convey complex character through movement — grotesque, comical, or nuanced — anticipating elements of contemporary dance. Every gesture, every step, serves the story, blending comedy, drama, and spectacle into a coherent whole.
The 80-year legacy of Cinderella owes as much to the performers and choreographers as to Prokofiev’s score. From Galina Ulanova at the Bolshoi to Frederick Ashton’s Royal Ballet premiere, the ballet has been repeatedly reimagined, each time uncovering new layers of meaning. Modern productions continue this tradition, emphasizing psychological depth, socio-cultural context, or imaginative staging. The core magic — Cinderella’s journey from hardship to grace — remains unchanged, proving the tale’s timeless relevance.
Conclusion
Cinderella endures because it speaks to universal human experiences: adversity and resilience, longing and fulfillment, humor and pathos. Its choreography, music, and narrative combine to create a ballet that is at once classical and modern, grounded yet fantastical. It is a work that grows with each generation, inviting reinterpretation while remaining true to its emotional heart.
Eighty years on, Cinderella still enchants — reminding us that kindness, courage, and grace are never out of style. The story continues to inspire dancers, choreographers, and audiences alike, proving that a well-told fairy tale, set to music and motion, can indeed become timeless.
I enjoyed reading the explaination of the ballet Cinderella.
Loved reading this. Beautifully written. Thank you for sending.