This year’s Cinderella and Prince, Yiva Yuan and An Phan
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Youth Ballet (PYB) invites the community to celebrate Mother's Day weekend with an enchanting and comedic production of Cinderella. Performances will take place on May 9-10, 2026 at Princeton High School Performing Arts Center.
The company’s cast of more than 60 talented young artists brings the beloved fairytale of a young girl’s hardship and the triumphs of discovering her inward beauty to life.
The ballet transports the audience to Cinderella’s cottage, a royal ballroom, and an enchanted garden, where amidst songbirds and butterflies, Cinderella, with the help of her Fairy Godmother, discovers the enduring power of motherly love.
Photo by Elyse Mertz
Originally conceived by artistic director emeritus, Risa Kaplowitz, and caringly adapted by current artistic director, Talin Kenar, the production features moving choreography, gorgeous projection backdrops created by Raymond DeVoe, and bespoke costumes beautifully curated by artist Anne Schwantes.
The title role will be danced by Yiva Yuan, a sophomore at Princeton Day School. The role of the Prince will be danced by An Phan, two-time Youth America Grand Prix first place prize winner and senior at Princeton University.
Founded in 2005 by Susan Jaffe and Risa Kaplowitz, PYB’s mission is to provide professional-level performance opportunities to talented young dancers and invite the community to fall in love with classical ballet. “PYB provides a professional environment for aspiring young dancers to develop artistry and technique,” says artistic director, Kenar. “During PYB rehearsals, the youngest dancers in the room look up to the company’s most advanced dancers and glimpse a future of possibility. This ongoing exchange of passion and skill—guided by an artistic staff of former professional dancers and reinforced through peer mentorship—cultivates deep and lasting growth.” Assistant Artistic Director, Leland Schwantes says, “The audience will be amazed by the artistry and talent of each and every performer in the cast!”
The cast rehearses up to twelve hours per weekend for ten weeks leading up the performances. Practices include refining choreography, practicing technique, and teamwork. The dancers’ effort and dedication culminate in a true professional-level production.
Performances take place Saturday, May 9 at 4:00pm and Sunday, May 10 at 4:00pm. Tickets are $30 on sale at www.princetonyouthballet.org. Discounts are available for Children, Students, and Seniors (with valid ID) by entering code SSD25 at checkout. Scout discounts and badge workshop are available. Email [email protected] for details. Princeton High School Performing Arts Center is located at 16 Walnut Lane in Princeton, New Jersey.
Cinderella is family-friendly for audiences 4 years of age and older.
The company will hold a raffle for Diamondpointes pointe shoes (valued at over $250 each) currently available for retail purchase only at the Met Opera Shop. A portion of the raffle proceeds will be used to support PYB’s community programs and dancer scholarships.
