State Street Ballet performs Sleeping Beauty

State Street Ballet presents a modern take on a favorite fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty, March 5 and 6 at The Granada Theatre. It is the newest story ballet in their Family Series repertoire, and romantically reflects the cycle of the seasons, an allegory of life itself. Set to Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score, performed by Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra, the choreography showcases classical and modern elements, innovative sets, and puppetry—including a 15-foot-tall wearable dragon, designed by artist Christina McCarthy.

The company’s Professional Track trainees, as well as students from State Street Ballet Academy (formerly Gustafson Dance), join the ensemble’s professional dancers to fill Sleeping Beauty’s 86 character roles. The story of Princess Aurora and her handsome prince is told through original choreography by Marina Fliagina, Cecily MacDougall, and Megan Philipp based on the original by Marius Petipa, and features a cast of characters ranging from Carabosse and her dragon to Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots and the White Cat, and more. Presented in two acts with a running time of 90 minutes and a 20-minute intermission, the performance is suitable for audiences of all ages.

There are 43 students from State Street Ballet Academy in this production. Here’s some info about the Academy name change from
Gustafson Dance, in case you can work it into your cover email:

Sleeping Beauty will be performed at The Granada Theatre on Saturday, March 5, at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, March 6,at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available at granadasb.org or The Granada box office, 805.899.2222.

The live performance season closes at the Lobero Theatre with a Gala Performance (Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 7:30 pm) honoring the legacies of Léni Fé Bland and Michael Towbes, and the major contributions of Margo Cohen-Feinberg, Tim Mikel, Sara Miller McCune, and Carrie Towbes to the arts in Santa Barbara. This exclusive event features choreographed works by William Soleau, Rodney Gustafson, Laurie Eisenhower, and Kassandra Taylor Newberry.