Lo-Ru West to perform "Sleeping Beauty"

The fairy tale classic, “Sleeping Beauty” is getting a bit of an overhaul from Custer’s Lo-Ru West Dance Studio. Sure, it may have sleeping beauty and a prince, but one shouldn’t expect a gigantic, fire breathing dragon to blow its snout this weekend.

“The Lo-Ru West’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is like a romantic comedy with a few twists and turns. It’s unlike the Disney story,” said Robin Prior, Lo-Ru West Dance Studio director. 

Prior decided to go a traditional route for the performance with a legendary composer’s music, which she admits may surprise some viewers, due to the majority of the population only knowing the Disney version.

“The traditional “Sleeping Beauty” ballet has so much more to offer,” said Prior. “More characters: seven enchanted fairies and a powerful, forgotten fairy who is simply banished from the kingdom, who is not killed.”

Other aspects, probably new to those attending, is the appearance of Puss in Boots,â��Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. 

The additional characters of the traditional play was perfectly suited for Prior’s large cast of 56 dancers. Among them, 15 will be  soloists, while Custer High School seniors Courtney Kuhn, Sam Hosman and Hannah Schaupp play the lead roles of Princess Aurora, Prince Florimund and the Lilac Fairy, respectively. 

The size and scope of the classic fairy tale fits the bill perfectly for Prior’s students.

“It’s a ballet ‘staple.’” said Prior. “It’s a beautiful ballet and can accommodate the many levels of dancers.”

New this year to a Lo-Ru performance is pointe, which has students performing up on their toes in special shoes. Prior said she has worked with nine ballerinas in pointe shoes the last five months. In that time, Prior admits to crying—good tears.

“They’ve made me cry for joy a couple of times,” she said. “I am so excited for them! I am going to have them take a leap of faith and do their numbers on pointe for this performance.”

Lo-Ru West’s first two performances, “Nutcracker” and “Thriller,” consisted of 22 dancers who all take part in “Sleeping Beauty.” Prior said the cast has been working hard for the past five months, with the soloists in the studio three to four days a week to perfect their roles. Seeing her students progress of strength and beauty is wonderful to her.

“This performance shows off the wealth of talent in our kids and adults,” Prior said. “This performance will overshadow our previous two.”

Lo-Ru West Dance Studio will present “Sleeping Beauty” on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. in the high school theatre. After the performance, those attending may join the cast and crew for a royal reception.