Local Student Performs in Boston Ballet’s Celebrated Production of Marius Petipa’s ‘The Sleeping Beauty’

Kayla Rose Petruccelli, 8, of Winthrop is performing in Boston Ballet’s production of Marius Petipa’s “The Sleeping Beauty” in the role of Lilac Fairy Page. The Sleeping Beauty runs May 11–19, at the Boston Opera House.

“I am thankful and honored to be a part of this very exciting production and opportunity!” said Kayla Rose Petruccelli

Petruccelli has been a student at Boston Ballet School for four years. Kayla is the daughter of Paul and Cherie Petruccelli and grandchild of Raymond and Janet O’Brien. She is a passionate student of the William P. Gorman Fort Banks Elementary School. In addition to dancing with The Boston Ballet School she participates in local voice class along with other local activities. Although Kayla enjoys all of her lessons, ballet remains her passion.

“This is my favorite production of The Sleeping Beauty, and I am excited to share it with Boston audiences again. It is a fantastic introduction for the first-time ballet goer, as well as a true pleasure for connoisseurs,” said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. “The Sleeping Beauty is ingrained in ballet history, and I am proud that Boston Ballet continues this legacy. The tradition, emotion, and atmosphere created by the superb dancing, costumes, and sets have made audiences fall in love with it again and again.”

Through this performance, students learn about the hard work, energy, and artistry that make a ballet performance come to life. They have the unique honor to share the stage with Boston Ballet’s internationally-acclaimed professional dancers from around the world.

“Participating in a full-length ballet is a fun and educational performance opportunity for Boston Ballet School students, exposing them to aspects of ballet they don’t experience in a regular class,” said Boston Ballet School Director Margaret Tracey. “I am so proud of the work our students have put into this performance. This experience will ignite a life-long love of this art form.”

Hailed as one of Boston Ballet’s trademark works, this production of the classic coming-of-age fairytale features additional choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton, soaring music by Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky, and sumptuous sets and costumes by Emmy Award-winning designer David Walker. Following last season’s performances, Alastair Macaulay, Chief Dance Critic of The New York Times, praised Boston Ballet’s production of The Sleeping Beauty as one of “the world’s best.”