Once upon a time …

The timeless tale of Cinderella will come to life in a particularly vibrant and eclectic way on the Paramount stage next week.

One of the oldest and most beloved folk tales will be presented by the World Ballet Series 2023 National Tour, which is stopping in 130 cities across the country.

Set to a passionate score by composer Sergei Prokofiev, the ballet tells of young Cinderella who is a victim of cruel circumstance but whose unwavering kindness is rewarded with her dreams of a better life coming true.

World Ballet Series’ classically styled production of Cinderella, with original choreography by Estonia’s Marina Kesler is designed for a modern viewer.

“In this performance, I can share with the audience my creativity and my talent, not only in classical, but also in a modern style,” said Ekaterina Malkovich who plays Cinderella.

Malkovich, who is traveling to Iowa for the first time and is looking forward to what she has heard is the “heart of America,” said everyone should see this ballet at least once. “It's like traveling back in time, as if you are transported to another century and you can immerse yourself in another reality,” she said. “You can feel like you are living a life together with the characters of a magical fairy tale. But this is not just a fairy tale, this is a real-life story that makes you think about something important and beautiful. This performance will not leave you indifferent and will be remembered for a long time as something warm and kind.”

The show overflows with humor, charm, and adroit dancing by a multinational cast of 40 top-flight professional dancers from 10 countries including Italy, France, Poland, Japan, Belarus, and the United Kingdom. Several cast members noted that touring the United States has added excitement to their playing their roles in the production.

“What I like most on this tour is seeing America and how diverse it is!” said Konstantin Geronik, who plays the role of the Prince. “It is amazing how one state replaces another and how different they are. There are a lot of contrasts; nature, nationality, mentality, and culture. We say that America is the whole world represented in one country.”

Angelina Zgurskaya who plays the role of the Stepmother agreed.

“The opportunity to see different cities, theaters, soak up the atmosphere, dance at different venues, meet new people, expand my horizons — all this inspires and excites me,” she said. “Not everyone can share such vivid emotions, where you combine travel and your favorite profession. I hope the audience will like our performance and I will remember it with warmth and thunderous applause.”

Presented by Gorskaya-Hartwick Productions, the show also features more than 150 radiant costumes that were hand-sewn in Ukraine.

“I think that children will be delighted, adults will enjoy the cozy and fabulous atmosphere, the beauty of the stage sets, the light work and the impressive skills of the artists,” said Zgurskaya. “Let yourself and your loved ones believe in magic and plunge into a fairy-tale world where good triumphs over evil.”

The family friendly fairy tale is a one night only engagement on April 18 at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased by visiting https://ticket.artsiowa.com/cinderella.

“This show will be appreciated by both children and adults,” said Darya Medovskaya who plays the role of the Fairy Godmother. “After coming to see our ballet, you will remain under an unforgettable impression and get a lot of positive emotions. I will be happy to see many people from Iowa at our magical performance!”

Geronik agreed. “If someone is reading this article and thinking to go or not to go, go to the World Ballet Series website, watch the promo videos and see the amazing set designs, dazzling costumes and talented dancers we have, and you will have no doubt to buy a ticket. It’s way better to see ballet with your own eyes, than sit at home on the couch scrolling through the phone.”