World Ballet Company’s ‘Cinderella’ is coming to Olympia
Originally published on The JOLT News on February 19, 2026
"Cinderella" is a beloved fairy tale that has been told too many times to count, including in the newest season of Bridgerton (and yes I am looking forward to part two).
Reflecting on the legacy of this story, I realize that it can get really old after a while, especially when it is not innovated in an exciting and original way.
When I heard about this World Ballet Company production and saw their promotional pictures and video, I knew that they have achieved the exact things I needed to not only be intrigued by Cinderella again, but to become eager enough to see it.
I saw emotions, including humor, in the facial expressions of the cast, vibrant costumes, and intentional choreography and means of storytelling. A review will be coming after the show, stay tuned.
To learn more, I had the opportunity to correspond with Gulya Hartwick, co-founder and CEO of World Ballet Company, or in her own words, “part artist, part problem-solver, and occasionally part magician.”
Hartwick gave me fascinating insight into the production of “Cinderella” that will make you immediately want to grab your glass slippers and head to this ball of a production at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia.
Tickets are selling out quickly, grab yours as soon as you can! The show is on Feb. 22nd with a 2 p.m. matinee and a 6 p.m. performance. Find more information here.
Cinderella
When deciding to stage a production of “Cinderella,” the company kept this question at the core of their creative process: “How do we tell this beloved story in a way that feels magical, cinematic, and alive for modern audiences?”
Hartwek described the creative process as one that “blended classical ballet technique with multimedia effects, dynamic staging, and theatrical surprises.”
Hartwick continued, “Every element from the transformations on stage to the pacing of the storytelling was designed to feel immersive and emotionally engaging, while still honoring the elegance and tradition of ballet.”
Even within the goals the company established, there was still so much room for varying interpretations that would impact color scheme, set design, costume design, choreography, acting, and so much more.
Further in our discussion, Hartwick described how this a perfect “first ballet” for newcomers because you do not need to have prior knowledge of ballet in order to enjoy it.
“Cinderella” was also described as a “fresh experience for longtime ballet lovers.” Either way, the well known nature of this story allows audiences to follow along with ease. All you need is your imagination.
Why Cinderella? Why ballet?
With all the different interpretations of Cinderella out there, this story means something different to everyone.
Personally, Cinderella showed me that magic not only can come from fairy godmothers, but through working hard, holding on to hope, and embracing opportunities that lead to dreams coming true. Hartwick’s interpretation gave me another element to think about, “Cinderella is ultimately about kindness winning — not through force, but through grace.”
Is there anything more graceful than ballet? Ballet itself shows us there can be power in speechless moments, and that we do not always need words to tell stories or be effective in life. When I think about the idea of kindness, I think about kind words, but this reminds me that kindness can come in smiling at strangers and lending a hand to both animals and humankind.
“Ballet reminds us how to feel without being told what to think,” Hartwick described. “In a very loud, very fast world, ballet gives us beauty, discipline, emotion and a shared experience — no screens, no scrolling, just humans connecting. Honestly, that feels more necessary than ever.”
There are some really incredible moments that happen when you attend a ballet, and they are not always on the stage. Hartwick described a couple of her favorite moments:
“At almost every performance, we see little princesses in the lobby during intermission practicing Cinderella’s steps — twirling, pointing their toes, completely serious about it. I love it!”
This is a magical moment for performers, fellow audience members, and especially parents. When you hear an entire theater gasp at once.
Performers see this as a sign of doing something right, and audience members get to participate in that very human moment when a big group of people collectively feel the same thing at once. It gives you goosebumps.
Ultimately, I think it all comes down to this: Ballet doesn’t end with the curtain call. Inspiration is something audiences take home with them — and it is powerful enough to spark a lifelong love of art and beauty.
Treat yourself, bring some more beauty into your life, and start that journey with Cinderella!
https://thejoltnews.com/stories/world-ballet-companys-cinderella-is-coming-to-olympia,28243