Andalusia Ballet will bring classic fairy tale ‘Cinderella’ to Dixon Center stage

Andalusia Ballet will bring the classic story of “Cinderella” to life with performances set for May 3 and May 4.

The performance will include a cast of local talent, including students involved in Andalusia Ballet as well as guest performances from Ballet Pensacola and the Alabama Ballet.

Mia Baumgartner, as Cinderella, practices with Stanislav Bzhezinska as the stepfather.

“I love doing Cinderella! It’s a wonderful story that everyone is familiar with,” said Andalusia Ballet Director Meryane Murphy. “I believe there’s a Cinderella story in every culture throughout history. The ballet has everything. Great music, beautiful dancing, lots of drama and a happy ending, too!”

Leading the cast in the title role is Andalusia High School junior Mia Baumgartner. Among the most experienced students with Andalusia Ballet having started when she was only 3 years old, Baumgartner has performed in numerous productions, including as Clara in the 2018 production of “The Nutcracker.”

“Mrs. Murphy said she would really love for me to play the part of Cinderella and I was over the moon about it. It’s an exciting opportunity,” Baumgartner said.

Coming off of a big performance at the Universal Ballet Competition in Atlanta earlier this year where she placed third in the senior division, Baumgartner said she is working nights and weekends to prepare for the “Cinderella” performances.

“As the main character, there is a lot of choreography to memorize and I’m always here working on it, but I love it,” she said.

Performing in their first production with Andalusia Ballet are Orrin Douglas and Christian Pate in the roles of the step-sisters. Students at Straughn High School, both have been active in school and community theatre productions.

“We’re both good friends at school and we argue a lot, so that makes a good fit,” Pate laughed.

As their first ballet production, the duo is working to get their parts down and learn the steps.

“The rehearsals have been great. Mrs. Murphy makes sure that they do not conflict with our schedules and we get a lot done while we are here. It’s amazing to see how fast it all comes together,” Douglas said.

Also joining the cast are Ivanka Bzhezinsky as the step-mother and her husband, Stanislav Bzhezinskyi, as the step-father. The couple performed as professional actors in their native Ukraine and are excited for the opportunity to take the state in Andalusia.

“We performed for about 15 years on the stage doing dramatic theatre in the capital of Ukraine, so we have some experience. It is a blessing for us to have this opportunity in Andalusia and to perform with Andalusia Ballet. It is interesting working with ballet dancers; it is a different kind of acting, but very interesting. We are bringing our experience and Mrs. Murphy is helping us with the rest,” Ivanka said.

“We are very grateful to be working with these actors and dancers,” Stanislav added. “It is a new experience and enjoy being partners with the all the others who are all working together as partners. This is truly inspiring.”

In the role of the prince is Andalusia Ballet veteran performer and associate artistic director, José Soares. While performing the same role in 2023, Soares said every production is unique.

“It is good that we can go back and review things, fix some things and add more steps. This group is very quick to learn the steps and that makes our jobs easier for sure. I think it is going to be an even better show than before.”

Performances of “Cinderella” will be Saturday, May 3, 7 p.m., and on Sunday, May 4,  2 p.m., at the Martha and Solon Dixon Center for the Performing Arts on the LBW Community College campus. Tickets for “Cinderella” are available at andalusiaballet.com.