IT IS easy to understand why Northern Ballet has just been named Best Company at the inaugural Taglioni European Ballet Awards in Berlin. The quality of their dancing, their creativity in launching new ballets each year and the sheer wow-factor of their productions, will have overwhelmed the opposition from such august companies as The Paris Opera and The Hamburg Ballet. They should be extremely proud of themselves.

David Nixon’s recreation of Cinderella, premiered at Christmas 2013, marks a particular zenith in this artistic director’s career. It is a simply magical retelling of the well-loved story, dispensing with the Prokofiev score (not a favourite of mine, or apparently of Mr Nixon) and the pantomime trappings of the tale. Instead we are presented with a Russian-style fantasy which deals with the very real issues of abuse, loneliness and of a child searching for love. Happily, the end result is a spell-binding and very moving work which brought a tear to my eye during the final pas de deux.

There were gorgeous scenes throughout – fur-clad skaters gliding speedily across the stage, jugglers and acrobats, performing bears and huskies, not to mention the proficient Stilt Walker. This production has it all and should become a regular must-see fixture for all lovers of dance, whatever their age.

The chemistry between Cinderella and her Prince Mikhail, danced by newly-promoted Lucia Solari and Javier Torres, was tangible and something special to see. But it is fair to say that all of the dancers on stage last night delivered great technique and artistic performances. This company deserves every accolade and unswerving support from North East audiences.

The show runs until Saturday. Catch Northern Ballet's Peter Pan in Leeds during December for a pre-Christmas tonic.

Marj Nelson