Southold Dance Theater's The Sleeping Beauty

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Southold Dance Theater

Act 1
Scene 1: The Christening
In the grand palace, the King and Queen are preparing for the christening of their daughter, Aurora. The King tells his Master of Ceremonies, Catalabutte, to invite the fairies of the realm to be Godmothers to the baby princess. However, Catalabutte forgets to invite Carabosse, the ancient Fairy of Wisdom, who has not been heard from in many years.

The fairies arrive at the christening, led by the Lilac Fairy. The King and Queen greet them with gifts suited to the qualities they will bestow on their goddaughter: grace, joy, a musical voice, generosity, a serene temperament, and beauty. The fairies give their gifts to the Princess, but just before the Lilac Fairy can bless Aurora with hers, Carabosse arrives in a rage at being overlooked.

She bestows a curse on Aurora. On her 16th birthday, she will prick her finger and die. The whole court is horrified. Just then, the Lilac Fairy steps forward. While she cannot undo Carabosse's curse, she weaves a counterspell: the Princess will not die but will fall into a deep sleep. When a Prince who truly loves her wakes her with a kiss, the spell will be broken. The King thanks the Lilac Fairy and declares that from now on, all sharp objects will be banished from the kingdom.

Scene 2: Aurora's 16th Birthday
The courtiers are dancing with garlands to celebrate Aurora's birthday.

When the festivities are at their height, Carabosse steps forward and presents Aurora with the rose she has smuggled into the party. Aurora is captivated by its beauty and dances with it until she pricks her finger and collapses. Carabosse reveals herself, laughs triumphantly, and disappears. The Lilac Fairy appears and reminds the King and Queen that everything is not lost - Aurora is not dead but sleeping. She puts a spell over the kingdom, and all the guests fall asleep.

Act 2
Scene 3: The Forest
A hundred years later, the gardens and grounds of the palace have grown into a forest. Prince Désiré is hunting through the woodland place. The Lilac Fairy appears and shows him a vision of Aurora. He is overwhelmed by her beauty and falls in love. The Lilac Fairy shows him the way to the sleeping princess. Carabosse tries to tempt him from his quest. Désiré reaches the castle, kisses Aurora, waking her and breaking the spell. The whole court awakes. Aurora also falls in love with Desire, and she chooses to marry him.

Scene 4: The Wedding
To celebrate Aurora's wedding, the King and Queen. Aurora's fairy godmothers bring lavish wedding gifts: silver, sapphire, ruby, and diamond. Amid much dancing and merriment, Désiré and Aurora are married and blessed by the Lilac Fairy. After their wedding, they are crowned: they will succeed to the throne and rule over the kingdom in peace and happiness.

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Smoke, fog, haze and/or strobes will be used.