Naomi Poulson, an avid follower of classical and modern ballet, lists The Sleeping Beauty among her favorite performances. Renowned first as a fairy tale, The Sleeping Beauty was adapted into ballet form by a prominent Russian Director Ivan Vsevolozhsky, the head of popular Imperial Theatres. He commissioned famed classical musician Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky to compose the music and stage direction. Once the music was set, Tchaikovsky and choreographer Mario Pepita collaborated, and in 1889, The Sleeping Beauty was performed for dazzled audiences for the first time. A piece rife with a broad range of emotions, The Sleeping Beauty tells the story of Aurora, a princess cursed by malevolent fairy Carabosse, who dictates that Aurora will pierce her finger and die on her 16th birthday. Attempting to provide an antidote to the fatal prophecy, the benevolent Lilac Fairy casts a spell that assures Aurora will only fall asleep after pricking herself. A performance that still enjoys success across the globe, The Sleeping Beauty ballet still frequently uses the original choreography and music. Tchaikovsky’s score is widely recognized for its broad range and ability to represent a number of emotions; it comprises a soothing and pleasant melody that complements the presence of the Lilac Fairy and a contrasting dark theme that symbolizes the evil that befalls the stage when Carabosse appears. A ballet favorite for more than 150 years, The Sleeping Beauty boasts countless fans, among them Naomi Poulson.