The Alabama Repertory Dance Theater will be making UA history tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Gallaway Theater in Rowand-Johnson Hall.
ARDT has joined forces with the theater department to present the first full-length ballet production the dance department has ever performed.
The story of Cinderella will be interpreted through dance as UA dance majors combine dance with acting to capture Cinderella in this neo-classical ballet.
In the past, dance productions have been held with Dance Alabama! as well as ARDT performances. While Dance Alabama! features student choreography, ARDT is choreographed by the faculty.
Both productions feature separate pieces students perform, but this time its quite different.
While “Cinderella” is still choreographed by the faculty, they have worked together as one to bring the story of Cinderella to life.
The theater department has broadened the spectrum visually by providing scenery as well as costuming for the dancers to truly bring a professional performance for all to enjoy.
Shannon Lindamood, a junior majoring in dance as well as vice president of Dance Alabama! is playing the role of Cinderella.
“This is the first time the theater and dance department has put on a full length ballet production,” Lindamood said. “It’s exciting for the dancers and the faculty to be presented with new challenges to work with.
“The whole cast has had an enjoyable experience working on Cinderella,” Lindamood said. “We’ve learned from each other, as far as learning to act and gaining theater experience. Having to act and dance demands more mental technique to communicate the story as well as our individual roles.”
Rita Snyder, production director and choreographer, said it thrilled her to bring such a production to the stage for the first time.
“It has been a very rewarding experience,” Snyder said. “I looked forward to it as an artistic director because the talent of the dancers has allowed this to happen.”
In the past, Snyder said students have performed scenes from different ballets but are now dancing from top to bottom in a professional piece of work.
“The quality of students proved. It was time to make this happen,” Snyder said. “Cinderella was ultimately the best option to have the students interpret.”
Lindamood said the performance is not all serious but contains some comedy, adding to the entertainment value. Snyder said the stepsisters’ characters are funny along with the prince’s court jester and a dance master sure to bring laughs when teaching the stepsisters to dance.
“Cinderella” will be presented tonight through Saturday. Monday through Thursday’s shows will be at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 5:30 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m. The cost for tickets will be $17 for Adults, $15 for UA faculty and staff, and $12 for students and children. Tickets can be purchased online at theater.ua.edu
