Stepping Into the Slipper: An Interview with Our Cinderellas
For many dancers, portraying Cinderella is a dream role—part fairytale, part emotional odyssey, and entirely a test of grace and grit. As rehearsals ramp up for the upcoming production of Cinderella, we sat down with three of our ballerinas—Miranda, Chantelle, and Mackenzie—to ask about their journey so far as they rehearse the title role. From interpreting the character to managing the physical and emotional demands, these dancers are discovering what it truly means to step into Cinderella’s slippers.
Miranda: Focusing on Love and Authenticity
Miranda Giles, Principal, is approaching the role with a focus on Cinderella’s sincerity and grace.
“Cinderella is a kind, loving person who is so truly good at her core; she doesn't let her stepmother’s or stepsisters’ jealousy and hatred take over any space in her heart.”
This is echoed in the advice she gives young dancers aspiring to perform a lead role:
“Of course, you must work hard at your technique, hone your strengths, and improve your weaknesses…but ballet is so much more than physical — it’s an art. You are an artist, and dance is about being authentic to your artistry.”
Her favorite moment? The very first pas de deux between Cinderella and her prince.
“It's a romantic, first-love, true-love pas de deux and I know it will touch the hearts of the audience members.”
Miranda Giles and Reece Taylor in rehearsal for Cinderella | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
Chantelle Pianetta and Preston Swovelin in rehearsal for Cinderella | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
Chantelle: Speaking through the Details
For Chantelle Pianetta, Soloist, preparing for the titular role is as much a full-circle moment as it is a new challenge.
“It’s the first time in my professional career that I’ve been given the chance to lead a full-length, multi-act story ballet. My only experience that comes close to this feeling was dancing as 'Clara' in The Nutcracker when I was 11 years old. It feels like a dream now, as it did then.”
As she works to meet the technical demands of her debut, her focus is on infusing every detail of the choreography with Cinderella’s essence:
“To me, the choreography is there to enhance and express the character; how I perform a step depends entirely on how the character is feeling in that moment of the story. If she’s shy, I might soften my gaze and use more delicate port de bras. If she’s excited, I’ll add more power to my jumps and lift my chest with openness. I believe there’s a parallel between dance and language. The technical steps are words, and the dancer’s artistry shapes the words into sentences with tone, context, and meaning.”
Above all, she hopes these details leave the audience with a greater appreciation for the story they all know and love.
“I hope audiences find comfort in the familiarity of the story, but also experience joy in the unique details that make this production special. From the enthusiasm of our student performers fully embracing their roles as bumblebees and gnomes, to my colleagues and me bringing our own heartfelt interpretations to this comedic ballet—there’s so much personality and charm throughout! There’s a sense of playfulness, but also genuine love and wonder for something a little magical in this production. I hope that mix leaves people smiling and inspired.”
Mackenzie: Growing through Tradition
While Corps de Ballet dancer Mackenzie Davis rehearses the role, she’s seizing the opportunity to grow as an artist and technician:
I’m so grateful for this opportunity! Working on this role is helping me grow tremendously. This is my first time learning a principal role in a company and the process is giving me new chance to focus on strengthening my precision and my partnering skills.
The movement posing her favorite challenge? That love-at-first-sight pas de deux between Cinderella and her prince.
The lifts and movements in the first pas de deux require so much coordination and practice to make them look effortless.
When it comes to her portrayal of one of the most iconic princesses, Mackenzie’s aiming to breathe life into the storybook character by merging her own personality with Cinderella’s.
I want to stay true to the classic story, but also bring a bit of myself into the role. For me, it’s about blending the tradition with my own interpretation to make her feel real and relatable.
Mackenzie Davis and Harrison Pickering in rehearsal for Cinderella | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
The Magic Behind the Movement
Watching Miranda, Chantelle, and Mackenzie rehearse, it’s clear that even a character as prolific and beloved as Cinderella has her nuances. Each dancer brings her own history, heart, and artistry to the role, transforming a well-known tale into something deeply personal. As opening night approaches, one thing is certain: this production of Cinderella will be as unique as the dancers bringing it to life.
Golden State Ballet proudly presents Cinderella at the Historic Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego, June 7-8.