What Is the Story of the Sleeping Beauty Ballet?

Ballet

The Sleeping Beauty ballet tells the story of a young Princess, Aurora, who is cursed to die by the evil fairy Carabosse. The King and Queen are devastated but the Lilac Fairy softens the curse so that Aurora will only fall asleep for 100 years. On her 16th birthday, Aurora pricks her finger on a spindle and falls into a deep sleep.

The Prince, who had been searching for his true love, finds her in the castle and awakens her with a kiss of true love. The court rejoices as the Prince and Princess are married and live happily ever after.

The Sleeping Beauty ballet is based on Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tale, first published in 1697. The story has been adapted and performed by many different choreographers over the centuries, with Tchaikovsky’s score being one of the most popular and recognizable versions.

The ballet starts with a Prologue that introduces the characters: King Florestan XXIV, Queen Eleanor, Princess Aurora (the sleeping beauty), Carabosse (the evil fairy) and four other fairies: The Lilac Fairy (also known as Lavender), Diamond, Bluebird and Florine.

Act I begins as Princess Aurora is born in a grand ceremony featuring joyful dances from four suitors vying for her hand in marriage. As Carabosse appears to spoil the celebration with her curse, The Lilac Fairy intervenes to soften it so that Aurora will only fall asleep for 100 years instead of dying.

Act II takes place at Aurora’s christening where she pricks her finger on a spindle and falls into an enchanted sleep for 100 years – until Prince Desire arrives at the castle to awaken her with true love’s kiss. As they dance joyfully together through beautiful landscapes, they are joined by their four fairies from Act I who bless them with happiness before they marry in Act III’s grand finale!

What Is The Story Of The Sleeping Beauty Ballet? In summary, The Sleeping Beauty ballet is based on Charles Perrault’s classic fairytale about a princess who falls asleep for 100 years after pricking her finger on a spindle at her christening. She is then awakened by true love’s kiss from Prince Desire, whom she marries in a grand finale celebration surrounded by all of their friends from earlier in the story – four fairies and four suitors vying for her hand in marriage.

Conclusion: Through its timeless tale of true love conquering all odds, its enchanting music by Tchaikovsky and its stunning choreography that brings each character to life- The Sleeping Beauty ballet remains one of the most beloved ballets of all time!