Stage: Vienna Festival Ballet

Vienna Festival Ballet celebrates their 33rd anniversary with a UK tour from February to May 2013 bringing one of the most famous Tchaikovsky great classics: The Sleeping Beauty

The celebrated Austrian dancer Peter Mallek founded the company after his illustrious career as a dancer of international renown, in 1980. Notable for the continued freshness and strength of their dancing casts VFB have top-talented dancers including graduates from the Royal Ballet School, British, Australian and Italian soloists, and guest stars from Vienna and Japan.

A strong suit for VFB is their beautiful and lavish hand made costumes and head dresses. Their productions have all the sparkle and glamour associated with the best of ballet. In this their 33rd anniversary year their casts and productions are sure to thrill against the glorious music background of ballet’s best loved composer Tchaikovsky.

The Sleeping Beauty shows off the technique and precision of the dancers in their version of the great classic. A classic fairy tale set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, stunning choreography and beautiful costumes combine to portray the struggle between good and evil.

The wicked fairy Carabosse lays a curse on Princess Aurora, proclaiming that she will one day pierce her finger – and die. But the Lilac Fairy intervenes, and on the fateful day the princess and the entire palace instead fall into a deep sleep. A century later, when Prince Florimund awakens the princess with a kiss, the palace awakes and a parade of fairytale characters attends the royal wedding.

Pavilion Theatre, Worthing Thursday 16 May, 7.30pm Box office: 01903 206206