Cinderella ballet returns to Teatro San Carlo after 18 years with Picone choreography

After an 18-year absence, Cinderella returned to the stage of Teatro di San Carlo in Naples with choreography by étoile Giuseppe Picone, artistic director of the theater's ballet company. The ballet, set to Prokofiev's complex score, features sets and costumes by Nicola Rubertelli that evoke Gustav Klimt, with the wardrobe directed by Giusy Giustino. Picone's original choreography respects Charles Perrault's story and maintains the musical integrity while modernizing character gestures. Standout performances include Candida Sorrentino and Sara Sancamillo as stepsisters Arabella and Araminta, Annachiara Amirante as the fairy godmother, Maria Eichwald (principal dancer of Stuttgart Ballet) as Cinderella, and Alessandro Staiano as the Prince. The production sold out, reflecting investment in Naples' dance scene despite budget cuts elsewhere.