LaGrange, Georgia is known for its dedication and esteem of the fine arts; but never before have I seen such a reason for this admiration than on Saturday, March 21, 2009, when the Lafayette Ballet Company presented “Sleeping Beauty.” We all have heard, if not grown up with the inspiring tale of “loves first kiss,” but the enchanting portrayal of this theme by the Lafayette Ballet Company was incredible. As the curtain opens on a magnificent set design, the audience witnesses the celebration of the birth of Aurora, the main character. In addition to this plot, one will also see the passion and excitement that this company is about to bring to the timeless tale. Young women and men ranging in age from 13-20 take on an unprecedented level of professionalism and bring to life characters such as fairies, princes, princesses, and of course, wicked witches. Coupled with graceful, yet strong movements is an ability to capture the character of these fairy tale individuals that, in an age of modernity in which most movies are unsuitable for family viewing, gives the family a newfound love for the classic tale and a chance to experience the purity of the inspiring story. As the show progresses, the audience is dealt a series of wonderful scenes coupled with breathtaking set work that lends itself to develop emotions of fear, excitement, happiness and elation. One particular scene that I thoroughly enjoyed was the moment in which Carabosse (the wicked witch) played by senior Mary Liz Taylor, crashes Aurora’s (played by Taylor Ellen) 16^th birthday to fulfill her promise of making Aurora prick her finger on a cursed object and die. The scene is a fantastic portrayal of the work students such these two, and teachers, such as LBC Director Nancy Gell, do to create a stunning visual that captivates the audience: as the scene ends, the ethereal, goddess-like, Lilac Fairy (played by Claire Mallory) intervenes to place Aurora and the townspeople in a deep, 100-year sleep. These individuals not only dance with precision and accuracy, but they create a moment that I will not soon forget. As that scene ends, the townspeople and Aurora are frozen on stage in peaceful sleep, Carabosse and her minions are vanquished, and in front of an expertly lighted set depicting an enchanted wood (created with backdrops of trees and castles) the Lilac Fairy dances a somber, but powerful variation with a partially lit visage that exudes the message of this company: powerful expression coupled with dedication and professionalism. As the show progresses the audience is treated with a spectacular backdrop of forest in which Prince Desiré (played by Todd Foxx), hunters, and baronesses dance a wonderful variation made lively with traditional costumes and characterizations of royal life. As his court departs, the Prince is met by the incandescent Lilac Fairy, who delivers him the vision of the fair Aurora asleep among the townspeople; he is smitten, and goes to Aurora to defeat the malevolent Carabosse in a witty, energetic battle that ends with Carbosse dying by her own evil device (used to prick Aurora’s finger), and the Prince ushering the crucial kiss that awakens the Princess. The dancing displayed was the quintessence of what “Sleeping Beauty” was and the perfected message of love conquering all. This production ends with a wedding to remember as fairy tale creatures from all around join Aurora and the Prince: The White Cat (played by Mitzi Anderson) and Puss in Boots (Chase Hall), Little Red Riding Hood (Haley Batchelor) and the Wolf, and Princesss Florine (played by Skye Mauldin) and the Blue Bird (played by Cristian Laverde Koneig). Each of these fairy tale creatures dance together in a manner that is true to their character; the two cats with back and forth paw banter as they parade around the stage; Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf deliver a great chase scene as she manages to outrun and persuade the Wolf to stay away; and The Blue Bird along with Princess Florine give the audience an incredible display of skill and hard work as the embodiment of professionalism with their amazing partnering work as the audience is entranced while the Princess gracefully floats through the air on the shoulders of the Blue Bird. As the Prince and Aurora dance their Grand Pas de Deux with wonderful leaps and precision turns, one can see not only the hours of practice, but the simple love of the art form and this everlasting story. Having danced with this company before, I was delighted to see this production prior to stepping in the door, yet, as great artists began to dance, and talent from all over the United States (two of the male leads were performed by Todd Foxx and Christian Laverde Knoeig, both outside company artists) took center stage, one could realize the work that had been put in to make this show spectacular. In a recession stricken economy, some things are priceless and timeless, and the Lafayette Ballet Company is one of them.

By Demetrice Tuttle

(Demetrice Tuttle is sophomore Sociology major at LaGrange College)