Northern Ballet is bringing the story of Cinderella to the stage on their UK tour with plenty of glitz, glamour, romance and magic. Ahead of its arrival in Norwich, we sat down with Dominique Larose, who is playing the titular role of Cinderella, to hear all about her career with Northern Ballet, her interpretation of the character and what she teaches us.
What role(s) will you be dancing in Cinderella?
I will be dancing Cinderella and the Spirit of the Ball Gown.
Tell us a bit about your dance journey. How long have you been dancing with Northern Ballet?
I have been dancing with Northern Ballet for 13 years.
Have you danced in a version of Cinderella before? If so, which role?
David Nixon CBE’s Cinderella was the first creation I was part of when I joined Northern Ballet as a Graduate in 2013, where I danced the roles of a servant and a market woman. In 2019, I had the opportunity to dance Cinderella herself in that same production, which was a really special full-circle moment in my career.
Why do you think this story has endured the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences of all ages?
I think Cinderella has stood the test of time because it’s a story about never giving up hope for a better future. We all have moments when it feels like all hope is lost, and there’s something truly special about seeing hope triumph over adversity.
What do you enjoy most about your character and how they are portrayed in this version of Cinderella?
I’ve really enjoyed working with Michael Pink on his version of Cinderella. She has an ethereal quality while still feeling very real and relatable. There’s so much emotional depth to her character, and it’s been fascinating to explore the storytelling and narrative with Michael.
How would you describe this ballet in three words?
Heartwarming, Compassion, Fortitude
Which depiction of Cinderella on stage, film or TV is the version you love most? Why?
My favourite portrayal of Cinderella is the 1997 Rodgers and Hammerstein movie adaptation. I grew up watching it on VHS, and I still think she has one of the most beautiful ball gowns I’ve ever seen! The singing is phenomenal, too.
What are you most looking forward to when performing at each venue?
Nottingham is our opening venue, so it’s always special to see the ballet come to life on stage for the first time. We haven’t been to Newcastle in a while, so I’m looking forward to seeing the local crew again, they’re always good fun! Norwich is one of my favourite venues, and the charm of the town feels like the perfect inspiration for this story. And there’s nothing quite like spending Christmas in Leeds with our home audience. At every venue, I’m most looking forward to sharing the magic of Cinderella with audiences and transporting them to a fairytale world.
What is something the audience might find surprising or might really enjoy about this production of Cinderella?
I think audiences will really enjoy the stepsisters, they’re absolutely hilarious! Each cast brings their own comedic interpretation to the roles, so there’s always something new to notice that will make you smile. As for surprises, I wouldn’t want to give anything away!
