Gwinnett Ballet Theatre will present the ballet Cinderella on March 3, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center.

The production will be the first choreographed and produced by the nonprofit's new artistic director, Wade Walthall. More than 90 students of Gwinnett Ballet and its pre-professional company members will perform.

“Cinderella is the story of a little girl who finds love and lives happily ever after,” Walthall said. “It is a sweet tale that is character-driven, and people will enjoy the fairy tale aspects. It also has a lot of humor in it. There are tender and humorous moments in the story.”

Cinderella, with this number danced to the music of Ottorino Respighi, tells the story in scenes before, during, and after the ball. The production will place emphasis on the story and the dancers.

In addition, audience members will see the product of a new collaboration with Gwinnett Technical College.

A new community partnership came about with this production when GBT went to Gwinnett Technical College for help with some of its set pieces. Under the director of Gwinnett Ballet staff, students from the college constructed both a special “Pumpkin Carriage” and a new staircase.

A dozen students worked on these projects, and they, along with their teachers, will attend the performances and be recognized during the curtain speech.

“GBT is grateful for the help of Gwinnett Tech in building these exciting set pieces,” said Holley Calmes, marketing director at Gwinnett Ballet. “GBT is always looking for community partners to help us create beautiful programming and opportunities for outreach and education.

"What better partner for these goals than our own Gwinnett Tech?”

Tickets for Cinderella can be purchased at any Ticketmaster location or the Gwinnett Center box office. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $13 for groups of ten or more.

For more information, call 770-978-0188 or check the Gwinnett Ballet's website.