A new spin on 'Cinderella'

“They're a very appreciative audience,” Rhodes said, and that’s exactly what she wants for her production of “Cinderella.”

The company of 51 dancers performs three shows this weekend at Holt High School. 

Rhodes said the Ballet Theatre interpretation of the familiar fairy tale is somewhat different than the Disney version most audiences are used to.

Choreographed by artistic director Greg George, the tale begins with Cinderella as a girl and moves through the typical story, but gives the main character a stronger attitude. 

“The stepsisters really have that comedic role, which we have kept in the story, but we just really wanted to focus Cinderella not as the oppressed stepsister, but as the eternal optimist,” Rhodes said. 

The “Cinderella” dancers range in age from 8 to 18 and come from as far as Ann Arbor to rehearse in Lansing. Since 2009, the company has partnered with the Children’s Miracle Network through Sparrow Hospital. This performance features three dancers from the non-profit organization; they will make cameos for roughly 15 to 20 minutes of the performance. 

‘Cinderella’

Children’s Ballet Theatre

7 p.m. Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5; 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6

Holt High School 

5885 Holt Road, Holt

$12; $10 students 

www.cbtdance.org

(517) 482-2553