A Magical Spell

LIFE + STYLE

Main-photo--Cinderella,-carriageColumbia County Ballet will help the Imperial Theatre celebrate its 100th anniversary with a performance of “Cinderella.”

No one needs a fairy godmother to have a ball at Columbia County Ballet’s new, original production of “Cinderella,” at the Imperial Theatre.

This production, which features about 65 dancers ranging in age from 10 to 20, is choreographed by Columbia County Ballet alumnus Michael Viator.

“Michael has taken his trademark approach of presenting this classic story in a non-traditional way. He brings his main concentration to the power of the music, which is not the traditional Prokofiev, and the power of the movement he creates for the dancers,” says Ron Jones, Columbia County Ballet artistic director.

Jones and Renee Toole, Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School fine arts director, are weaving together the scenes to connect the details of the story. Lia Daniele, dance instructor at SAIL, is joining them to rehearse the dancers and prepare for curtain.

“We decided to bring a new story ballet each fall to the Imperial stage and donate the proceeds from ticket sales to the theater,” Jones says. “The ballet has thus far raised $29,000 on behalf of the Imperial, and with this final presentation to support the 100th, we are looking forward to adding to that figure.”

If You Go:

What: Columbia County Ballet’s “Cinderella” 

When: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, September 21

Where: Imperial Theatre

How Much: $14 – $30

More Info: (706) 860-1852 or columbiacountyballet.com; (706) 722-8341 or imperialtheatre.com