A time skip in the performance takes the audience 16 years into the future to the Princess’ birthday celebration. With her parents, many of her friends, and plenty of princes ready to vie for her hand in marriage, Baumgartner makes her grand entrance as Princess Aurora. A picture of passion and grace herself, Baumgartner made it easy to believe an entire kingdom would be enchanted with her. After a beautiful showing of her ability, Baumgartner’s Aurora is given a spindle by a disguised Carabosse, triggering the curse. Subsequently, Williams as the Lilac Fairy finds Prince Désiré, played by Andrés Castillo, and brings him to wake up Aurora. Baumgartner and Castillo were a charming match, embodying the dreamlike romance of the ballet perfectly.
The grand finale of the show was the sequence including all of the guests and participants in Aurora and Désiré’s wedding. Fairytale characters and creatures of all kinds were in attendance. Andalusia Ballet’s senior company dancers and apprentices shined once again in these roles, along with their accompanying male counterparts. From fellow princesses to famous financial critters, these dancers embodied a wide range of eloquent, fun, comedic characters to truly showcase their versatility.
Baumgartner and Castillo placed a cherry on top of a wonderful performance with their final dance together. Their precision, control and impeccable technique were on full display with every beautiful spin and complex lift. Joined by Williams and the rest of the protagonistic ensemble, the heroes took their final positions as the story came to a close.
Murphy took the stage with the rest of the cast after the curtain call and took a moment to hug both of her seniors dancers. The entire team at Andalusia Ballet has plenty to be proud of from this show.
