The timeless fairytale of Sleeping Beauty is one of the most beloved stories in ballet history. The story follows Princess Aurora, who is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse on her sixteenth birthday. She falls into a deep sleep and can only be awakened by a kiss from her true love, Prince Florimund.
The ballet was first choreographed by Marius Petipa in 1890 for the Imperial Ballet of St. Petersburg, Russia. It has since been adapted and performed by many prestigious companies around the world. The original version follows closely to Charles Perrault’s 1697 version of the fairytale, with a few minor changes and additions made by Petipa.
The ballet begins with King Florestan and Queen Elena presenting their daughter, Princess Aurora, to their courtiers on her sixteenth birthday. While they celebrate, Carabosse appears and curses Aurora to prick her finger on a spindle and die.
However, a benevolent fairy softens the curse so that she will merely fall into a deep sleep for one hundred years instead. After Carabosse leaves, Princess Aurora performs a beautiful solo variation that celebrates her joyous birthday moment before falling asleep in her father’s arms.
The second act introduces Prince Florimund who has come to find his true love—unaware that it is Princess Aurora he is searching for. After some amusing misadventures with Lilac Fairy and her attendants, Florimund eventually discovers Aurora’s castle where she lies sleeping in an enchanted chamber guarded by four magical sprites. He finally breaks the spell with his kiss of love and awakens his princess from her slumber—much to everyone’s delight!
The third act opens with a grand wedding celebration honoring Florimund and Aurora as they are wed amidst joyous cheers from their courtiers. Finally all ends happily ever after as everyone takes part in grand ballroom dances to celebrate their union!
What Is the Storyline of the Sleeping Beauty Ballet? The storyline of the Sleeping Beauty Ballet follows closely to Charles Perrault’s 1697 version of the fairytale—with Princess Aurora cursed on her sixteenth birthday only to be awakened later by true love’s kiss from her destined prince! The ballet features stunningly beautiful choreography combined with an enchanting musical score that brings together this classic tale every time it’s performed!