Maple Youth Ballet presents ‘Cinderella’

Camille Kellems, left, plays Cinderella alongside Kimberly Brubacher, who plays the Spirit Mother, during the Maple Youth Ballet's production of “Cinderella.”
Ensemble members perform.
From left are Cinderella (Camille Kellems), Druzilla (Anna Reiser), their stepmother (Juliana Godlewski) and Prunella (Hayley Johnson).
Camille Kellems goes up en pointe with her broom during Maple Youth Ballet's production of “Cinderella” at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.
Camille Kellems, center, as Cinderella struggles with her family, from left, Anna Reiser as Druzilla, Juliana Godlewski as stepmother and Hayley Johnson as Prunella during Maple Youth Ballet's production of “Cinderella” at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.
Camille Kellems dances with her broom while sweeping the floor as Cinderella during Maple Youth Ballet's production of “Cinderella” at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.
Camille Kellems, 16, as Cinderella leaves the stage in a carriage dressed in a ball gown during Maple Youth Ballet's production of “Cinderella” playing at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

By Jackie Moe | jmoe@scng.com and Orange County Register | Orange County Register

May 3, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

For Camille Kellems, 16, the shoe fit once again.

This time, the shoe was a glass slipper for the lead role in Irvine-based Maple Youth Ballet’s production of “Cinderella,” presented April 19 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

The Corona del Mar High School junior was also the Sugar Plum Fairy in the company’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” in November.

Program founder and artistic director Charles Maple said “Cinderella” was chosen as this year’s spring production because audiences of all ages recognize it.

“Its popularity through the years is not only attributed to the romantic love story,” he said. More importantly, it conveys a meaningful message that graciousness in the face of adversity is a true strength.

“The Maple Youth Ballet’s ‘Cinderella’ provides young dancers with the exposure, training and performance opportunities to bridge the gap between student and professional dancers,” Maple said.

The Prince was performed by guest artist Larkin Miller, 18. He is a student at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre in New York City.

Maple Executive Director Kathy Crade called Miller a talented dancer and said Kellems’ technical precision is amazing.

Said Maple: “The choreography was created in such a way that it presents our dancers in their highest expression of ballet. Even our young cast members have achieved their very best and are inspired to continue exploring their love of dance.”

The company, Maple said, offers Orange County and surrounding communities “professional-quality performances at affordable prices and the opportunity to learn about and gain a greater appreciation for the art of dance.”

Contact the writer: 714-796-7987 or jmoe@ocregister.com