Join us on April 25 at PVCC for the premiere of the new children’s ballet The Firebird. The production features 20 dancers from our professional company as well as over 55 students from the Charlottesville Ballet Academy! Charlottesville Ballet has written our own version of the The Story of the Firebird, check out our cheat sheet on the characters and the story below!
The Ballet was originally choreographed by Mikhail Fokine, set to music by Igor Stravinsky, and premiered in 1910 by the famous Ballet Russes. Even today, companies around the world still perform versions of the original choreography! The ballet is full of magic and romance, and tells the story of the handsome Prince Ivan, his beautiful Princess Katerina, and the magical Firebird that saves them.
MEET THE CHARACTERS:
The Firebird: She is a magical and fantastical bird who resembles a beautiful woman. She has powers that allow her to help Ivan when he is in danger.
Prince Ivan: He is a Prince from a distant land, and is so mesmerized by the Firebird that he captures her, but because he has a kind heart he releases her. In exchange she gives him a magic feather that allows him to call her for help whenever he might need it.
Princess Katerina: She is the most beautiful of The 13 Princesses who are trapped in the forest belonging to the Evil Sorcerer Kotschei. Prince Ivan falls in love with her at first sight and wants to rescue her and the rest of her Princess friends.
The Princesses: The Princesses are Katerina’s best friends. They have been trapped in Kotschei’s forest for a long time, waiting for someone to rescue them. They dance with magical golden apples to make themselves feel better.
The Evil Sorcerer Kotschei: Kotschei is a wicked sorcerer who keeps the Princesses trapped in his magical forest. He keeps them trapped because he is actually very lonely and wants company, he just doesn’t know how to be a friend.
Forest Maidens: The Forest Maidens live within Kotschei’s magical forest. They are not good, but they aren’t bad either. They like to watch the happenings of the forest with a neutral eye.
Minions of the Sky: Kotschei’s flying minions, they do his bidding and keep an eye on the forest. They keep an eye on all of Kotschei’s creatures.
Minions of the Land: Kotschei’s land minions live in the trees of the magical forest. They help keep the Princesses trapped and serve at Kostchei’s will.
Baby Birds: The Baby Birds fly in and out of the magical forest; they follow the Firebird wherever she goes and will one day grow to be just like her.
For more information about Charlottesville Ballet’s premiere of the new children’s ballet The Firebird, visit www.CharlottesvilleBallet.org/Firebird