Southern California Ballet’s ‘Cinderella’ at Poway Center for the Performing Arts

The Southern California Ballet is offering two chances to see its performance of “Cinderella” — before it turns into a pumpkin.

The ballet will be performed at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road.

Tickets for the performances are $22, $30 or $39. Tickets may be purchased at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Box Office, by calling 858-748-0505, or online at www.SouthernCaliforniaBallet.org.

This classic tale of magic, fairy godmothers and romance features a Poway dancer, 15-year-old Alyssa Baker, as the Fairy Godmother.

This is Baker’s first lead role. “I’m really excited for the role,” said Baker. “It’s really fun dancing it. I haven’t done this role before.” Baker, who is homeschooled, is a sophomore.

Baker said the Fairy Godmother is “regal and queenly” in her performance. “The whole thing is her commanding the fairies to take Cinderella to the ball. She’s authoritative. It’s really fun to play her.”

Baker has been dancing for about six-and-a-half years. “I wanted to start dancing when I was younger, but I guess I didn’t bug my mom enough,” she said.

It was after watching the 2008 Olympics that Baker began dancing, after learning that gymnasts often took ballet. She began dancing with the SCB’s company after practicing with its academy for several years.

“I’d love to be in a company when I’m older and be a professional dancer,” said Baker. She prefers dramatic roles and ballets, and would someday like to perform the roles of Odette and Odile in “Swan Lake.” “That would be really amazing,” said Baker.

The performance also stars 16-year-old Westview High School junior Amy McMaster as Cinderella.

The company will be joined by professional dancers, Shawn Burgess as the Prince, Justin Viernes as the Horse and Steffi Carter as the Queen. Other SCB company members dancing in the production include Claire Fiorino, Kayla Kressin, Sarah McDowell, Gena Nelson, Nadya Poussard and Kalena Tano.

Adding a little humor to the performance will be Ehrick Costello and Travis Spackman as the Ugly Stepsisters and Kenda Vance as the Stepmother.

SCB is a pre-professional company, and the dancers are trained under the direction of Sylvia Palmer-Zetler. “SCB is committed to educate and entertain our local community,“ Palmer said in a press release.