A magic kiss to break the spell

Moscow Festival Ballet

The Moscow Festival Ballet brings The Sleeping Beauty fairytale to Stephens Auditorium Jan. 29. A cast of 50 dancers performs to Tchaikovsky's music, with dramatic costumes, scenery and lighting. The full-length ballet tells the story of Princess Aurora and Prince Charming, and the battle of good vs. evil. Aurora is cursed at her christening by the evil Fairy Carabosse, but saved from death by the benevolent Lilac Fairy. On the princess' 16th birthday, Carabosse -- disguised as a stranger -- offers a gift that sends the princess and the kingdom into a deep slumber. A century later, Prince Charming is captivated by a vision of Aurora shown to him by the Lilac Fairy. He follows the fairy to the enchanted kingdom hidden behind a dense forest of thorns. A magic kiss leads to a joyous awakening and a wedding with guests recognizable from many popular fairy tales. The three-act performance begins at 3 p.m. Tickets, available through Ticketmaster or the Stephens box office, are $34-$38 for adults, $25 for youth and $20 for ISU students. Submitted photo.