The Story of The Sleeping Beauty
- Story Ballet, Synopsis
Once upon a time in a faraway land, there was a princess . . .
San Francisco Ballet’s production of the timeless fairy tale The Sleeping Beauty is set in Russia in the 17th and 18th centuries. The curtain rises on the Imperial court for the Prologue and Act I, where society is still bound by Byzantine manners and fashion. Acts II and III take place one hundred years later, after Peter the Great ruled and opened the doors to the influence of European styles and cultures.
QUICK SUMMARY
San Francisco Ballet’s production of The Sleeping Beauty brings the classic fairy tale to life across two distinct eras of Russian history. Choreographed by Helgi Tomasson to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this three-act ballet follows Princess Aurora as she falls under a 100-year curse and is eventually awakened by Prince Desiré’s kiss.
Prologue: The Christening & The Curse
Once upon a time in a faraway land, a princess named Aurora was born to a Tsar and Tsarina. A grand celebration was arranged for her christening, and all the fairies in the kingdom were invited. The Fairies of Tenderness, Playfulness, Generosity, Serenity, and Courage each bestow their gifts on the princess.
Lastly, it is the Lilac Fairy’s turn. Before she bestows her gift, the Fairy of Darkness arrives, fuming with anger. She never received an invitation to the christening. Like the other fairies, she has brought something for the baby: a curse! One day, Aurora will prick her finger on a spindle and die.
The Lilac Fairy has yet to give her gift. Although she cannot remove the Fairy of Darkness’s curse, she can soften it. The Lilac Fairy promises that Aurora’s life will not end from the prick of her finger, but the princess will fall into a deep slumber for one hundred years and be awakened by a prince’s kiss.
Act I: The Rose Adagio & The Spindle
Sixteen years have passed, and the kingdom is celebrating Princess Aurora’s birthday. Four suitors from the North, South, East, and West have come to the Imperial court to seek her hand in marriage.
During the revelry, an old woman approaches the princess. She offers Aurora a gift unlike any she has ever seen, a spindle. Delighted, the princess plays with the curious object and then pricks her finger. She falls to the ground. The old woman throws off her cape, revealing herself as the vengeful Fairy of Darkness. Having fulfilled her curse, she vanishes in triumph. The Lilac Fairy returns to lessen the curse, as promised. She weaves a spell of sleep over the entire Imperial court, and creates a forest that magically grows to cover the palace.
Act II: The Prince's Kiss & The Vision
One hundred years pass, and young Prince Desiré is out hunting with members of his court. He grows bored with the hunt and separates from his companions. The prince dreams of a love he fears he will never attain. The Lilac Fairy appears and shows him a vision of Princess Aurora. Enchanted by what he sees, Desiré begs the fairy to take him to Aurora. The Lilac Fairy takes him through the magical forest, leading him to the hidden palace where Aurora sleeps. When the prince finds the Sleeping Beauty, he awakens her with a kiss, and the spell breaks.
Act III: Prince Desiré & Aurora's Wedding
The entire kingdom joyously celebrates the wedding of Princess Aurora to Prince Desiré. All pay tribute to the bride and groom, while individual characters dance for the delight of the court. In a final apotheosis, the Lilac Fairy appears and blesses the marriage.
