From the modest ballet studio located on Mercer Island’s South-end in the big red school house, preparations are underway for Island Youth Ballet’s “Excerpts from Cinderella” now in its third season. This rendering tells the classic fairy tale from beginning to end with charm, sophistication, and relevance.
“Excerpts from Cinderella” is an array of 36 scenes within three acts. Coordinating the technical requirements of lighting with sound and music, props and scene changes, and costuming require prescience and attention to detail. So what does it take to stage this ballet featuring 38 young aspiring dancers from Mercer Island’s Children’s Dance Conservatory, the official school for IYB?
Rehearsals and classes go on six days a week within the various levels from ages 8 to 18 years old. Dance faculty who have had extensive professional performance careers work tirelessly perfecting the skill and artistry required from each individual dancer in preparation for the stage. Gorgeous tutus of vibrant color turn this production into a refined vision that endorses classical ballet standards for glamour, style, and beauty. pointe shoes range from $60 – $100 with a dancer going through three pairs a season, and a tutu ranges from $500 – $800. All of these factors and more contribute to the operating budget for “Excerpts from Cinderella” at approximately $13,000.
Funding in part for “Excerpts from the Nutcracker” and “Cinderella” is made possible by the ongoing financial support from the Mercer Island Community Fund. Island Youth Ballet wishes to acknowledge this gift of funding and its value for continued performance offerings as well as our appreciation of the Community Fund’s generosity and recognition of Island Youth Ballet. This funding helps ensure a cultural presence within the greater Mercer Island community and gives IYB the opportunity to expand and grow providing excellence and outreach.
“Excerpts from Cinderella” is one evening only, at 7 p.m., June 14 at the Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center. Ticket prices range from $20 – $35. For information call the IYB ticket information line at 275-4750. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Susan Valencia
Executive and Artistic Director, IYB
