Overview

Relaxed Performances are designed to welcome the Disability Community into artistic spaces. The National Ballet of Canada is excited to welcome families who can find access to the arts limited, to see Act II of Cinderella in a more relaxed and approachable environment on March 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Ticket prices are $25 for adults/$15 for children. This performance has been structured to ensure that children and adults who are Neurodiverse, members of the d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Disability Communities feel safe, celebrated and cared for.

How to Buy Tickets

This performance is for you! With that in mind we have created a quick list of how to book the seats that will benefit you and your family/group the best. If you have any questions at all, please contact the box office at 1 866 345 9595 or 416 345 9595 or email us at info@national.ballet.ca.

• To purchase tickets and choose your own seats please click here
  • Note: If you know/feel you may need to move in and out of the auditorium during the performance you may want to consider booking an aisle seat for ease
  • Please also note that many seats require stairs to access. This map notes the location of the stairs to assist you in selecting the best seats: Four_Seasons_Centre_Seating_Map.pdf
• If you need seats in the ASL viewing area, please click here
• If you are partially sighted and could benefit from sitting as close to the stage as possible, please click here
• Our friendly and knowledgeable Audience and Donor Services Representatives are pleased to assist you. If you require any of the accommodations below, please contact the box office at 1 866 345 9595 or 416 345 9595 or email us at info@national.ballet.ca:
  • You are bringing a service dog. Seating areas with more room for your dog have been set aside
  • You would prefer to sit in an area where there is no one immediately beside you
  • You have any special requests for seating and/or would like assistance
  • Patrons remaining in their device will need to call in to purchase tickets
• Please note: The Four Seasons Centre Parking Garage clearance is 1.8 meters or just under 6 ft

Support Persons

A support person may help a patron with a variety of tasks that range from communication to mobility or medical needs. When in need of personal and/or physical assistance to move throughout the venue, the accompaniment of a support person is required for the duration of a patron’s visit. In the interest of protecting the health and safety of both patron and staff, Four Seasons Centre staff members are not able to lift, lower, carry, hold or physically support patrons, including those using a wheelchair.

The National Ballet of Canada is pleased to offer one complimentary ticket for a support person in conjunction with the purchase of a full price ticket when accompanying a patron who requires assistance during our performances. To acquire a support person ticket, please contact our box office at 416 (1 866) 345 9595.

Things to Know About the Relaxed Performance

How to Prepare for the Performance

Venue Guide

A venue guide and video have been created to help you prepare for your visit.

Fact Sheet

Relaxed Performance

About Cinderella

James Kudelka created his stylish adaptation of Cinderella for The National Ballet of Canada in 2004 and it is now a signature work. Based on Charles Perrault’s 1697 fairy tale Cendrillon, the story tells of a young girl, Cinderella, who lives in service to her unkind yet comical Stepsisters and Stepmother, who share little of their money or opportunities with her. One night Cinderella is visited by a Fairy Godmother who magically procures a dress, carriage and a pair of glass slippers so that Cinderella may attend Prince Charming’s ball. But the magic will end at midnight, returning Cinderella to her lonely life of confinement.

Act II shows Prince Charming preparing for the ball. He is uncomfortable with the women vying for his attention, knowing that they only want the trappings of wealth and society associated with royalty. The Prince wants none of these things. Just like Cinderella, he dreams of a quiet life filled with love and nature. When they meet at the ball, they fall in love instantly. But midnight comes quickly and Cinderella’s courtiers turn into terrifying pumpkin heads, prompting her to flee. She leaves behind a single glass slipper, the Prince’s only clue to her identity.

Learn More

Credits

Choreography:
James Kudelka, O.C.

Music:
Sergei Prokofiev

Set, Costume and Properties Design:
David Boechler

Lighting Design:
Christopher Dennis

World Premiere: The National Ballet of Canada, Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts (now Meridian Hall), Toronto, May 8, 2004

Cinderella

The National Ballet of Canada’s Relaxed Performances and the accompanying Visual Guide are made possible in part through the generous support of The Estate of Helen Allen Stacey and an Anonymous Donor.

The National Ballet of Canada’s Education and Community Engagement programmes are generously supported by the Anna McCowan-Johnson Dance Accessibility Fund at The National Ballet of Canada, Endowment Foundation.

Cinderella is a gift from The Volunteer Committee, The National Ballet of Canada.

For Celia, with my deepest gratitude. JK

The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following: