Meet The Men Sweeping Cinderella Off Her Feet: An Interview with Our Princes
When most people think of the Prince in Cinderella, they picture a charming but somewhat elusive figure—a perfect match, a fairy tale symbol, a man with a glass slipper. But for dancers Preston Swovelin, Reece Taylor, and Harry Pickering, this role is anything but one-dimensional. As they prepare to bring this character to life on stage, they're discovering that the Prince is not just an ideal—he's a work in progress, just like the rest of us.
In this candid behind-the-scenes interview, the three dancers share how they’re reshaping the role, adding emotional depth, technical nuance, and personal authenticity.
Preston Swovelin in rehearsal for Cinderella | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
On Stage and In Sync
One of the most pivotal moments for the Prince comes in the Grand pas de deux, a sweeping duet with Cinderella that symbolizes both connection and fleeting time. For Preston, it’s the highlight of the ballet.
“It’s like a snow globe—a captured moment of magic. The choreography charms, swirls, and swoops. You get lost in it because you know the night must end soon. It’s beautiful and bittersweet all at once.”
But pas de deux work can be technically demanding. Reece admits:
“Partnering is always tricky—especially with a new partner. Certain transitional steps, turns, and promenades in this choreography are particularly challenging, but that’s what makes the process so rewarding.”
Chemistry, too, is critical. And for Preston, it’s almost alchemical.
“Building chemistry and trust with your Cinderella is like describing the sun. You can name the qualities, but you won’t truly understand it until you feel it — it's always different, and there's no algorithm or cheat sheet for it. Once it's built between two partners, it's unshakable. And once you've felt it, you chase it, you crave it with every new partner you have, and nothing feels right until you find it again.”
Rehearsal Highlights
Each dancer brings his own memorable moments into the studio. For Reece, working with ballet master Michael Breeden has been a standout experience.
“It’s been so great working with Michael on my Prince variation. The tiny intricacies and details he’s able to point out help make my dancing richer.”
Those nuances—emotional and physical—are what transform this character from a storybook hero into something far more believable.
The Heart Behind the Crown
For Preston, the Prince is far more than a polished nobleman. He’s a character full of empathy, doubt, and evolution.
"Transforming our perception of the Prince from a flat, 2D character into someone multifaceted, complex, and human is where things get fun," Preston shares. "He seeks genuine connection, supports Cinderella’s dreams, and shoulders the weight of leadership. The best part? He’s still growing—and by the time we get to opening night, he may have evolved even more."
Reece echoes the importance of depth—particularly in a role that audiences often expect to be flawless.
“When preparing for a role, I pull inspiration from my life experiences—the good and the bad—and incorporate them into the choreography. I ask: Why this step? What does it communicate? That kind of intentionality helps make even an idealized character feel human.”
Reece Taylor in rehearsal for Cinderella | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
Harry Pickering in rehearsal for Cinderella | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
A Role That Challenges and Changes
For Harry, rehearsals for the role of the Prince — his first time learning a principal role in a professional company — have been filled with excitement and opportunity.
“I was very excited to find out that I would be learning the Prince because I’ve never taken on a role like this before. It’s what' I’ve been training for my whole career, and it’s a really good opportunity to develop as a dancer.”
And develop he has—both on stage and off.
“Raúl has created an environment that’s really positive and encouraging. I’ve gained more confidence in myself, and the whole process has helped me grow tremendously as a young artist.”
That growth comes from more than rehearsals—it's shaped by creative collaboration. Harry adds:
“Because it’s a new creation, the character is still growing every day in different ways. Working so closely with the choreographer and director allows us to shape a Prince who feels fresh and real.”
In the hands (and feet) of Preston, Reece, and Harry, the Prince becomes more than a fairytale fixture—he becomes a reflection of humanity itself. Vulnerable, evolving, and deeply sincere, this Prince isn’t just chasing a mysterious girl in glass slippers—he’s searching for truth, for love, and for himself.
In Raúl Salamanca’s Cinderella, the Prince is no longer just the one who finds the slipper—he’s someone who’s learning, reaching, and choosing to love with intention. And when the curtain rises, each dancer’s version brings something uniquely personal to the stage. That’s the beauty of live dance: no two performances are ever the same, because no two artists ever are.
This isn’t just a fairytale. It’s a journey—and you’re invited to watch it unfold.
Golden State Ballet proudly presents Cinderella at the Historic Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego, June 7-8.