Belle of the Ball: Meet Damara Cedillo, our lovely Cinderella!

Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo & Juliet, La Sylphide, Firebird, and of course, Cinderella... What do all these ballets have in common? All of the titles are also the name (or contain the name) of the lead ballerina and character in each production. You might imagine this kind of featured role comes with some pressure and stress-- but you'd never know it by watching our very own Damara Cedillo rehearse for the lead in Ballet Ariel's new full length ballet Cinderella.

Damara Cedillo in a studio shot as Cinderella (photo by Peter Strand) 

 A veteran member of Ballet Ariel, Damara is featured in the title role of Cinderella opening March 23-24th in Parker. This production is a world premiere, meaning Ilena Norton (Ballet Ariel's Artistic Director and choreographer of this ballet) has created all new choreography for this full-length fairy tale. This also means that Damara's role has been created on her with her skills and talents in mind. This is crystal clear to all who have been watching her float through Cinderella's challenging choreography as if she was born with pointe shoes on her feet. Damara is widely known in the company and in our audiences for her strong technique and strength and ability to breeze through difficult choreography. This role is no different. Her loveliness as a dancer shines brightly in the character of Cinderella as she deals with such unlovely characters as her wicked Stepmother and Stepsisters.

Damara trained at Idyllwild Arts Academy and at the summer programs of Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. Before joining Ballet Ariel here in Denver, she danced with Media City Ballet and Colorado Ballet. In her four seasons with Ballet Ariel she has performed many lead roles, including Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara in The Nutcracker and the pas de deux from Les Sylphedes.

Damara Cedillo in a studio shot as Cinderella (photo by Peter Strand)

We caught up with Damara recently to ask her a few questions about her experience playing the title role in Cinderella, and learned a few new things about her as well! Enjoy getting to know our belle of the ball, Damara Cedillo:

How long have you been dancing?

"I started dancing at the young age of 7 at Rozann-Zimmerman Ballet Center. After already playing the violin for a few years my parents decided they wanted to give me a more "active" activity. Little did they know the little dancing queen they were about to create!"

What is your favorite part about playing the role of Cinderella?

"There are so many things it is hard to pick a favorite! I would say my favorite part of the ballet is the romantic pas de deux with the Prince in Act 2. The music composed by Prokofiev is SO moving. And the choreography by Ilena Norton really shows how the couple is getting swept away with each other."

What has surprised you about playing the title role?

"The character of Cinderella has so many layers! To be tormented by her horrible Stepmother and Stepsisters, but to still be bright and happy and chipper. And then to go from that to all of the excitement at the ball and meeting the Handsome Prince for the very first time. It is definitely no easy task to portray all of these different emotions in one ballet."

Damara Cedillo

Who inspires you as an artist?

"I'd say that the person that inspires me most as "an artist" would be my mother. She worked and worked to become the successful violinist she is today. Earning scholarships to put herself through college and starting to learn her art later than most. And where most parents would probably discourage pursuing a life in the arts, there has never been anyone in my life so supportive as her."

What is your favorite activity to do outside of dance?

"Quite simply... good food and good coffee with good company."

Come see Damara be swept away to her happily ever after in the title role of Cinderella THIS weekend! March 23-24th (Friday at 7:30 pm, and Saturday at 2pm and 7:30 pm) at the beautiful new PACE Center in Parker. 

For all the information you need on seeing the show, click on over to our Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/388611027832728/

If you want to go directly to the PACE Center website to buy tickets (they are going fast, so we recommend getting your seats beforehand!) click here: http://www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?nid=989

See you at the ball!