Vashon Dance Academy’s production of “Cinderella” is set to grace the stage at Vashon High School Theatre during the weekend of June 16.
From enchanting magical pumpkins to mice skilled in modern dance, this ensemble performance promises to captivate even those seated in the back rows.
According to Artistic Director Cheryl Krown, the production remains true to the heart of the original story but adds a creative twist, noting that she and Co-Director Julie Gibson are eager to witness the young dancers “take all of their hard work and creativity to the stage and truly soar.”
In this imaginative rendition, young mice morph into horses, and flowers gracefully dance in a magical garden, while Cinderella yearns for her chance to attend the palace ball.
“We are never traditional. We add our own Vashon flair to the entire show,” said Gibson.
Dance! Vashon presents a show this year featuring over 100 dancers who will showcase various dance styles, the result of months of dedicated preparation. Marina Rae-Gill and Isabella Peani will share the role of Cinderella, while Gerritt VanRoekel will portray the Prince. Lorien Buffington and Kate Spranger will bring the Fairy Godmother’s magic wand to life with their pointe shoes. The role of Cinderella’s Stepmother will be alternated between Kate Spanger and Marina Rae-Gill, and the Stepsisters will be played by Lorien Buffington, Abby Furr, Calliope deSmet, and Daisy Jones. Sabine Jorge and Daisy Jones will portray the dancing mice, providing encouragement to Cinderella.
The cast also includes special alumni dancers, Sophie Blasingam, Isa Sanson-Frey, and Talia Spurlock. Additionally, the tradition of including a group of “dancing dads” continues, as these volunteers dedicate their time and talent to create memorable entertainment.
Krown and Gibson are currently immersed in the final weeks of rehearsal before the show’s debut on June 16.
“I have loved working with Cinderella and the Prince on their pas de deux. Gerrit, Marina and Isabella have been so committed to rehearsing many extra hours to learn and perfect their special dance,” said Gibson, while praising the rest of the cast and emphasizing their close-knit and supportive dynamic, as they often contribute to the choreography in creative and enjoyable ways. “We are so lucky to have a group of senior dancers who love dance so much.”
Performances of “Cinderella” will take place at Vashon High School, with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16; 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17; and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 18. Tickets can be purchased for $20 for adults and $15 for students aged 18 and under, available at the Vashon Dance Academy lobby (cash or check payable to Dance! Vashon), Burton Coffee Stand, or through Venmo @Dance-Vashon (please include the date/time, name, and number of adult/youth tickets in the note).
