AllMovie

Sergei Prokofiev's brilliant ballet Cinderella is performed by the Bolshoi Ballet troupe in this excellent cinematic performance. The sad young woman who is turned into a scullery maid by her stepmother is performed by Raisa Struchkova. Her stepmother and two stepsisters plan their great night at the prince's ball, while poor Cinderella is left at home -- at least left there until her fairy godmother shows up to transform her and provide her with that famous pumpkin vehicle so she has a chance at true love with her prince (danced by Gennadi Lediakh). The camerawork captures all the nuances of the dance, from intricate footwork to the most sweeping leaps and interactions, taking the performance beyond the confines of a theatrical stage.