Cinderella : a new ballet

On August 3, The Royal New Zealand Ballet premiered my latest full length ballet score in Wellington at the newly restored St James Theatre. Cinderella has been a number of years in the making - with composition beginning at the end of 2021. The story of Cinderella has been enhanced to reflect the values of modern day society - one where Cinders doesn’t need a prince for her ‘happily ever after’ and the Prince finds love with a handsome stranger in the forest.. I had a blast working with designer Emma Kingsbury and choreographer Loughlan Prior. Watch a highlight reel of the ballet on my Film Clips page.

Here’s what the reviewers are saying!

“Art brings joy to desperate times, and right now, when queer folk are in such strife in many places across the world and discord is flaring up about our sheer right to exist, Cinderella is the balm that we all need. It is a celebration of love, euphoria, and endless queer joy, and I certainly felt that last night.” -Wellingtonista

“Pushing boundaries results in brave, progressive ballet” - Otago Daily Times

“One of the considerable strengths of this production is the unanimity of its choreographic and musical intent. Cowan’s eclectic score, infused with Latin rhythms, provides the ideal springboard for Prior’s inventive and witty dance.” -TheatreView

“Cowan’s score is packed with percussive effects and dramatic colours. Choreographed ensemble pieces are stylish, slick and expressive – the white-clad Swordfighters’ dance in the forest is visually stunning and the arrival of the Fab Five tailors, summoned by the Fairy Godmother to dress Cinderella for the ball, is deliciously reminiscent of Queer Eye high-camp.”- Five Lines

Loughlan Prior choreographer and Claire Cowan Composer. Photo by Katherine Brook