Raffaella – A New Fairytale Ballet

Raffaella is a new fairytale ballet commissioned by the Stroik family, in memory of their daughter, Raffaella Stroik. Inspired by her life, this all-new full-length ballet follows the lineage of classical ballets such as Giselle and The Sleeping Beauty and seeks to embody Raffaella’s motto, “Beauty will save the world.” The narrative follows a young peasant girl from a miraculous birth in 18th century Italy. During her adventures she meets a mysterious Prince, and later a charming but false Prince, and she must choose which way to go. Featuring a new score by neo-traditional composer Michael Kurek, new choreography by former New York City Ballet Soloist Claire Kretzschmar, the artists of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, and a corps of professional dancers from across the nation, Raffaella is set to be unmatched in scope and history. Expect to be transformed by beauty in motion.