Swept Away by the Carolina Ballet's Performance of "Sleeping Beauty"

I'm ashamed to admit that I have lived here longer than the Carolina Ballet has existed, and I just experienced it for the first time Friday night. I will not wait that long to go again.

When I heard the Carolina Ballet would be performing one of the most acclaimed ballets of all times, "Sleeping Beauty," I resolved to attend with my princess-loving, 6-year-old daughter, Katie. The Carolina Ballet's performance of "Sleeping Beauty" was a truly mesmerizing experience for us. It swept us both away.

Here's a little history of the "Sleeping Beauty" ballet: In 1812, Wilhelm and Jakob Grimm transformed the folktale into the fairytale, "Little Briar Rose," when they published the first volume of "Grimm's Fairy Tales." Marius Petipa orginally choreographed "Sleeping Beauty," and in 1890 the premiere performance took place in St. Petersburg, Russia, set against Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's enthralling composition. Maria Mariusovna Petipa, daughter of Marius, originated the role of ballet's Lilac Fairy. For those of you who are interested, I found a thorough timeline of the fairytale's evolution throughout the centuries HERE.

In 1959, Disney's animation of "Sleeping Beauty" delighted the hearts of little girls everywhere, and continues to dominate as one of the most loved princess movies of all time. (During a 2004 trip to Disneyworld, my husband and I took our children to a princess breakfast and Katie donned the gown of Aurora, her favorite princess. See the below photo for proof!)

Perhaps that is why, three years later at the age of 6, Katie sat enthralled and intrigued by Artistic Director Robert Weiss' presentation of intensely emotional adagios, agile allégros and gravity-defying aplombs. Lilyan Vigo, who portrayed Princess Aurora, amazed us with her enduring stability and balance.

The resplendent and ornately detailed costumes dazzled us. The evil Carabosse and her dragon jolted us into momentary fear, the Lilac Fairy enchanted us, and the celebration of Prince Désiré and Princess Aurora's marriage elevated our emotions to an exultant, eye-moistening state of mind that lingered long after we returned home.

It was a late night for my 6-year-old, but one we will both always remember. And we even have the pink souvenir jewelry box, ticket stubs and program to remind us of our unforgettable night out at the ballet.