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PROLOGUE - AURORA'S CHRISTENING

Once Upon a Time - King Florestan's Castle

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there lived a kind-hearted King and a graceful Queen. They loved each other very dearly, they were very happy together, but their greatest desire was to have a child. One day their wish came true, with the birth of a beautiful baby daughter whom they named Aurora, because like the sun, she brought great light into their lives. The people of the kingdom were delighted. A grand party was arranged for the baby's christening. The king invited the good fairies of the land to join the celebration and become godmothers to the princess so she would grow up in virtue.

One by one the virtuous fairies arrive to bless Princess Aurora each bringing her own special gift. The last to arrive is the Lilac Fairy, the wisest, greatest and most powerful fairy of all. The king graciously asks each of the fairies to dance for his daughter. The Lilac Fairy's Attendants bestow upon Aurora a nature that is beautiful and good and they promise to protect the princess her whole life. Fee Candide, the fairy of Grace, brings Aurora charm and elegance. Fee Coulante, the fairy of Joy, endows the princess with a spirited, exuberant nature. The Fairy of Generosity, Fee aux Miettes, bestows the virtues of good heartedness, prosperity, and kindness. The Canari Fairy offers Aurora Musicality so she will sing, speak and dance sweetly. The Fifth Fairy, Fee Violente, the Fairy of Temperament dances with bold virtuosic steps presenting Aurora with courange and strength. Now the Lilac Fairy dances beautifully . . . .

Interrupting her suddenly, the doors of the palace swing open and there stands Carabosse, the eldest of the Fairies. She is furious! She has not been invited to the christening and has come to cast an evil spell on the baby Aurora. Vengeful Carabosse declares that on Aurora's16th birthday, the princess will prick her finger on a sharp spindle and die. The king and queen are distraught but have forgotten the Lilac Fairy has not yet blessed Aurora. Though unable to undo Carabosse's curse, the Lilac Fairy promises that when Aurora pricks her finger on the spindle, she will not die, but instead she will sleep for 100 years until she is awakened with a kiss of true love by a handsome Prince.

Immediately the king bans all sharp objects from the palace in order to stop the curse from coming true and for many years people live happily and peacefully in the kingdom.

INTERMISSION

ACT I - AURORA'S 16TH BIRTHDAY

16 years later, the Castle Garden

Finally the day comes when Aurora celebrates her 16th birthday. The roses in the garden are in full bloom. The people of the kingdom gather and dance, awaiting the arrival of the Princess on this auspicious day. The king and queen have invited princes from faraway kingdoms to vie for Aurora's hand in marriage. As Aurora dances, each prince presents her a beautiful rose. The king is so proud of his daughter, endowed with the wonderful virtues from her fairy godmothers. Aurora has grown to become a joyful and kind princess. The king asks her to dance for the many guests who have gathered to celebrate her birthday.