A Quiet Kind of Magic: Becoming the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella
In most versions of Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother appears in a swirl of sparkles, waves a wand, and sends Cinderella off to the ball. But for dancers Silken Kelly, Haley Mauldin, and Samantha Schmidt—each learning this iconic role in Golden State Ballet’s upcoming production—there’s far more than glitter and gowns at play.
Through thoughtful choreography and deep artistic exploration, these three dancers are transforming the Fairy Godmother into a figure of resilience, wisdom, and quiet power. We spoke with each dancer about what it means to portray such a beloved symbol of hope—and how they bring her magic to life, one deliberate movement at a time.
Silken Kelly in rehearsal for Cinderella | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
Crafting a Presence That Grounds the Stage
Onstage, the Fairy Godmother’s calm stands in contrast to the chaos around her. Silken puts it this way:
“Her movement quality is fluid, effortless, and grounded in calm. While other characters may be frantic, comedic, or harsh, the Godmother moves with serene clarity—she slows the energy down and centers the space.”
It’s a subtle power, and one that resonates deeply in her interaction with Cinderella.
“The moment where I reveal my true self to her from my disguise is probably my favorite,” Silken continues. “There’s a certain magic that comes alive in that transformation—it’s deeply fulfilling to bring that to life on stage.”
The Spirit of Kindness and Transformation
For Silken, the Fairy Godmother is more than a character—she's a beacon.
“She embodies hope, kindness, and transformation,” Silken says. “To me, she's a quiet force of good—a symbol that even in a world full of cruelty and neglect, there's magic waiting for those who remain gentle and true to themselves.”
That quiet force isn’t always about grand gestures. It’s often expressed through the subtleties of movement and presence.
Magic in the Movement
Haley explores how gesture and intention are the tools of enchantment.
“There’s a quiet confidence and maturity that one should have when portraying the Fairy Godmother,” she explains. “She isn’t flashy or over-exaggerated in her movements—it’s all calculated and deliberate. I’m finding that the quality of my arms and fingers can make a huge difference in how the character is perceived.”
For Samantha, that same gracefulness is paired with depth.
“One of the most exciting challenges has been learning how to embody grace and ethereality while also dancing with a deeper sense of maturity,” she shares. “I’ve worked hard to make every movement feel intentional and wise—not just light and pretty.”
Haley Mauldin in rehearsal for Cinderella | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
Samantha Schmidt in rehearsal for Cinderella | Photo by Sam Zauscher.
A Guide, a Spirit, a Mother’s Love
The Fairy Godmother’s role in Cinderella’s journey is layered with meaning. For Haley, she’s not just a magical helper—she’s something more profound.
“She’s a catalyst, a protector, a mentor. But on a deeper level, I think she’s more like the spirit of Cinderella’s mother,” she says. “Maybe that presence is what helps Cinderella remain kind. She creates the opportunity for Cinderella to go to the ball—but I think of that scene more like fate. Fairy Godmother just opens her eyes to an easier path.”
And the emotions conveyed in this guidance are essential to what Haley hopes the audience will feel.
“I want the audience to feel calm and protected. If I can put the room in an almost hypnotic state, then I’ll be satisfied.”
A Role That Shapes the Artist
Bringing such a serene yet powerful character to life has been transformative for all three dancers.
“This role has helped me improve both the maturity and confidence in my dancing,” says Samantha. “It’s pushed me to be more expressive and thoughtful. I’ve been challenged to embody a character whose presence is both powerful and serene.”
And while Samantha draws from traditional portrayals, she’s building something entirely her own.
“I’ve focused on shaping a version of the Fairy Godmother that feels uniquely mine—one who exudes wisdom and strength, while staying true to the magical essence of the role.”
In this production of Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother is not just a magical fixer—she is the emotional compass of the story. Through the artistry of Silken, Haley, and Samantha, she becomes a protector, a mentor, a symbol of hope, and above all, a reminder that transformation begins within.
As each dancer steps into the role, they remind us that magic doesn’t always come with sparkles and spells—it often arrives as a quiet hand, a graceful gesture, or a moment of stillness that changes everything.
Golden State Ballet proudly presents Cinderella at the Historic Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego, June 7-8.