Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo by Corinne Nicholson

Ballet pointe shoes will become Cinderella's glass slippers in Southern Ballet Theater's production of the classic fairy tale.

The rags-to-riches story of a young woman who becomes the belle of a prince's ball with the help of a gifted fairy godmother will come to life on the Performing Arts Center stage this weekend. Members of the pre-professional ballet company will dance the timeless roles of Cinderella, her charming prince, the gracious fairy godmother and Cinderella's unkind stepsisters.

Alicia Chitwood, the ballet mistress charged with overseeing rehearsals and assisting with choreography, said audiences can expect a magical experience.

"We have lots of sets and lots of very colorful costumes," she said.

More than 100 dancers will grace the stage during each performance.

"We have dancers from 4 to 25 in the show," Chitwood said.

Brookwood High School senior Shelby Price will dance the fairy tale role of Cinderella.

"She gives her whole heart into her dancing and really portrays the character very well," Chitwood said. "She has a lot of emotion and she really lights up the stage."

Southern Ballet Theatre will give four performances today through Sunday. For more information on the ballet, call 770-963-2685 or visit southernballettheatre

.org.