“The Sleeping Beauty” is one of the most celebrated works in the classical ballet repertoire. It is renowned for its Tchaikovsky score, the choreography (originally by Marius Petipa), and fairy-tale narrative. Many leading ballet companies worldwide stage this ballet, each bringing their interpretation to the production. Some of the most prevalent and distinguished versions include:
The Mariinsky Ballet (St. Petersburg): Mariinsky’s “The Sleeping Beauty” is often considered the benchmark for this ballet, with a lineage that traces back to its original premiere in 1890. This company’s version is celebrated for its adherence to the classical Petipa choreography, the purity of its dance, and its lavish, traditional production values.
- The Royal Ballet (London): The Royal Ballet’s version, particularly the one staged by Sir Frederick Ashton and later revised by Monica Mason and Christopher Newton, is known for its sumptuous sets and costumes, meticulous attention to detail, and depth of character development. This production often emphasizes the ballet’s magical and romantic elements.
- The Bolshoi Ballet (Moscow): The Bolshoi’s “The Sleeping Beauty” is renowned for its grandeur, with spectacular sets, costumes, and a strong emphasis on the virtuosity of its dancers. The Bolshoi approach combines technical brilliance with dramatic expressiveness, making their productions a visual spectacle.
- The American Ballet Theatre (ABT): ABT‘s “The Sleeping Beauty” often features star-studded casts and is known for its lavish production elements and dancers’ technical and artistic prowess. Their productions typically blend traditional choreography with unique interpretations, highlighting the company’s strengths.
- The Paris Opera Ballet: Known for its elegance and the technical proficiency of its dancers, the Paris Opera Ballet’s “The Sleeping Beauty” is a blend of classical purity and artistic interpretation, often incorporating the rich history of French ballet into its performances.
Each of these companies’ productions of “The Sleeping Beauty” is prevalent in its own right, with performances that draw from the rich traditions of classical ballet while also reflecting the unique artistic visions of the companies and their respective choreographers. This ballet remains a staple of the classical repertoire, cherished for its beautiful music, intricate choreography, and timeless story of love and enchantment.
Jefferson Performing Arts Center 
