The Hollywood Walk of Fame, located on Hollywood Boulevard, stretches in front of the Dolby Theatre. Its striking deep red interior and spacious stage make it an excellent venue for performances. To celebrate the 19th anniversary of the Los Angeles Ballet (LAB), the current Artistic Director, Melissa Barak, is expanding the company’s vision and encouraging its artists to explore classical narratives. The Los Angeles Ballet premiered choreographer Edwaard Liang’s production of “Cinderella” on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre with great anticipation. This production originated with Ballet Met in 2015, and the Washington Ballet will present it in their 2025/2026 season, with Liang as their current Artistic Director. Liang’s “Cinderella” is well designed for regional companies and incorporates a significant number of student performers. The Los Angeles Ballet Company embraced the challenges of Liang’s demanding sequences, storytelling sections, and intricate lifts, nurturing the growth of its company members.
Los Angeles Ballet – “Cinderella” – Cesar Ramirez as The Jester – Photo by Cheryl Mann.
James Kronzer’s sets for “Cinderella” establish a minimalist, modern aesthetic. The backdrop features bare forest trees, a prominent gray concrete chimney, oversized mirrors, overhead chandeliers, and clocks, all of which create a somewhat sparse stage. The props and furniture are minimal and straightforward. In stark contrast, the costumes by Judanna Lynn vividly reflect the 18th century. The costumes and tutus are designed to be flattering, falling at the perfect angle on the legs to conceal any limitations. The Act II portion dazzles with costumes adorned with gems, enhancing both men and women, highlighted by Cinderella’s sparkling pointe shoes that shimmer with every step. In these bedazzled pointe shoes, Kate Inoue embraces the demanding role of the lead ballerina in this three-act ballet. As Cinderella, Inoue displays a graceful upper body that moves with seamless ease. Since I saw her perform in early December, her strength, agility, and versatility have significantly improved. In the deserving role of The Prince, Marcos Ramirez’s performance is cavalier and refined, demonstrating a polished technique. He glides effortlessly during his variations. Ramirez and Inoue effectively perform Liang’s complex lifts and pas de deux segments; however, as a partnering couple, there is room for improvement in their delivery of partnered connections and emotional depth, including Ramirez’s hand and stance placement.
Los Angeles Ballet – “Cinderella” – L-R Abigail Gross, Cleo Taneja, Cassidy Cocke. Back row L-R Lilly Fife Anna Jacobs, Brigitte Edwards – Photo by Cheryl Mann.
Most full-length productions of “Cinderella” typically feature a substantial number of company corps de ballet dancers and other supporting roles. Small but mighty, the LAB showcased the cutest kids to fill the stage—a garden of adorable bumblebees, summer sprites, and butterflies, whose smiles lit up the theater. The children all demonstrated impressive skill and unity, particularly highlighted student Carissa Yang, who played the promising younger version of Cinderella in the Prologue. The cast ensemble included encouraging pre-professional talent portraying seasons, pixies, and summer sprites.
The live orchestra of the Los Angeles Ballet, led by Gavriel Heine, delivered an impressive performance. Meanwhile, the Dolby Theatre enhanced the experience with extraordinary surround sound for Sergei Prokofiev’s melodic composition. It was a joy to witness the young performers and company members working together as a unified ensemble. As the quirky jester, Cesar Ramirez-Castellano brought a comical flair and adaptability. Shintaro Akana fulfilled the role of the Master of Ceremonies (MC), presenting a remarkably charismatic persona that rendered him a delight to observe; he distinguished himself exceptionally well.
Los Angeles Ballet – “Cinderella” – L-R Natalia Burns and Paige Wilkey as the Step-Sisters – Photo by Cheryl Mann.
In Liang’s version, Cinderella’s stepsisters, portrayed by Paige Wilkey and Natalia Burns, genuinely captivate and shine. They breathe life into these significant female roles while showcasing their impressive technical skills. The characters are delightfully intentional, strong-willed, and humorous. In a Disney-like fairy tale twist, the fairy godmother is first presented as an old, haggard, concealed witch. Soon after, a beautiful fairy godmother appears, played by Julianne Kinasiewicz. This role offers an intriguing blend of two classic characters: the Lilac Fairy and the Dew Drop. Kinasiewicz oversees various scenes and embodies a charming, feminine aura of allure and radiance. Liang ensures that each ensemble member is visible in Acts I and II. The Spring Fairy, represented by Poppy Coleman; a Summer Fairy, played by Lilly Fife; a Fall Fairy, portrayed by Sarah-Ashley Chicola; and a Winter Fairy, performed by Aviva Gelfer-Mundi, are all part of an ensemble, yet each has their respective solos. Liang opts for this approach with the fairies to highlight each dancer; however, each fairy variation after another left the stage a bit too sparse and could benefit from having more dancers on stage or in the background. The roles, mainly company members, included six women as flowers, four male dragonflies, two dressers, six court ladies, and five gentlemen. They were clearly defined, allowing each individual to have their moment to shine with fewer people on stage.
Los Angeles Ballet – “Cinderella” – Dancer Marcos Ramirez – Photo by Cheryl Mann.
In recent years, the Los Angeles Ballet Company has made significant strides in its selection of classical works, venue locations, and artistic growth. It’s inspiring to see the dancers of LA’s resident company advancing in their creative journeys. The venues selected for their season throughout Los Angeles County are stunning, and it’s genuinely a delight to attend an LAB performance accompanied by a live professional orchestra. The audience included people of all ages, and a lovely step-and-repeat area in the lobby was available for photos—a fun-filled night among Hollywood stars and deserving talent. Until next time, see you at the ballet!
Los Angeles Ballet – “Cinderella” Sareen Tchekmedyian (seated) as Step-Mother – Photo by Cheryl Mann.
For more information about Los Angeles Ballet, please visit their website.
To learn more about the Dolby Theatre, please visit their website.
Written by Alice Alyse for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Los Angeles Ballet – “Cinderella” – Kate Inoue as Cinderella – Photo by Cheryl Mann.
