The glass slipper will be missed because there are certainly no glass pointe shoes when the "Cinderella" ballet is performed in three acts by the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (PYB), 2 p.m. May 30, Baker Hall, Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University, Bethlehem.

"Cinderella," as a ballet, premiered in 1945 at the Bolshoi Theatre with music by Sergei Prokofiev.

In the PYB production, guest artist, Anton Kandauror, born in Donetsk, Ukraine, portrays the Prince.

Rachel Altemose, who studied ballet at PYB's parent organization, the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley, since the age of three, portrays Cinderella. Altemose, 18, will dance this coming-of-age story that romantically ends with Cinderella meeting her Prince.

Typically, men are cast for the roles of the stepmother, Kristopher Yoder, and stepsisters, Skinny and Dumpy, the latter two played by Brendan and Davis Weaver, who are twins and seniors at Saucon Valley High School.

The production includes children and 10 adults.

The ballet differs from the fairy tale version. First, a beggar woman is pitied by Cinderella and in return she becomes a Fairy Godmother, sending Cinderella to the Ball.

Second, Cinderella is visited by "Faeries of the Seasons," presenting gifts such as a crown, cape, coat and shoes.

Third, the Fairies are represented as fireflies and dragonflies.

The ballet adds the character of the Jester, who performs tricks at the Ball. The Jester-in-Training, who in the PYB production is eight-years -old, mimics the Jester, making the Ball Scene a lively and an amusing affair.

The ballet retains integral scenes such as the pumpkin turning into a beautiful carriage. And when the clock strikes 12, Cinderella is magically back in her tattered clothing.

Karen Kroninger Knerr, Artistic Director since 2007 of the Ballet Guild, has materialized her version of "Cinderella" from scratch.

The premiere of PYB's "Cinderella" with a cast of 75, began with Knerr's concentration on the music, dissecting its themes and variations.

Says choreographer Knerr, "I listen to the music incessantly. I do follow the music to tell the story and that is how I approach the choreographic process, working on one part at a time.

"We always think that 'Nutcracker' is the first introduction to ballet but 'Cinderella' is another story that people are familiar with, adding comedic elements, the music and costumes, which in the end, lends itself to everyone."

Knerr says costume designer Kristen Dundon can see Knerr's vision so that Knerr can focus on choreography. Lighting designer Jay Woods adds a dimension of texture to this lovely comedic story.

Knerr's favorite scenes in the ballet include "The Orange Dance," presented in the Ball Scene. Notably at the time when the ballet is set, citron was perceived as a delicacy. Cinderella gives her orange to the stepsister, who doesn't have one, as a kind gesture.

The Pas de deux of Cinderella and the Prince in the second act is another favorite scene of Knerr's.

"It is a really fun piece to choreograph," Knerr says.

A party, "Cinderella's Ball," will be held following the performance at Zoellner Arts Center. Meet Cinderella, the Prince, The Ugly Stepsisters and other cast members for photos, refreshments and a gifts raffle.