The story of “Cinderella” is classic. It’s a tale known around the world. And this weekend, it’s coming to the Overture stage. However, in this version, the iconic pair of glass slippers will be exchanged for a satiny pair of ballet slippers.

The Madison Ballet is preparing to bring audiences this beloved tale, and for the most part isn’t straying from tradition. The most noticeable change is from the “Fairy Godmother” we all remember from the Disney film to an array of fairies, one from each season, who help prepare Cinderella for the prince’s ball.

The “Cinderella” ballet was composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1945 and has since become the second-most popular ballet of all time behind “The Nutcracker.” Although “Cinderella” as a ballet was not originally well received, over the last few decades it has captivated the attention of audiences worldwide, both ballet enthusiasts and those who just want to enjoy a good show.

In 2005, the debut year of the Overture Center, the “Cinderella” cast consisted of dancers from the community, including students and children, with the lead roles going to guest stars. This time, dancers from the Madison Ballet are taking on the lead roles, marking the first time professionals have been used.

“In this way, it is a new ballet and the choreography can be changed to match the skill of the dancers,” artistic director W. Earle Smith said.

In a recent interview with The Badger Herald, Smith advised that although it is ballet, the show is not simply meant for ballet devotees.

“I personally think that it crosses a large range of audience-goers. It’s a classic love story told in a very family-oriented way that everyone can relate to,” Smith said.

Whether you have never seen a ballet performed or have been a supporter for years, Smith said “it is a good ballet for people who are ballet enthusiasts and like to hear good music,” but is also “a great entry level for first-time audience goers.”

Although ballet repertoire may not be familiar to everyone, this story is a little different. He assures there are “plenty of cute moments in the story to balance out the periods of heavy dancing associated with ballet.”

In this way, audiences of all sorts will find something pleasing in “Cinderella,” regardless of age or ballet expertise.

While ballet may not exactly be the favorite genre for those in college, Smith is confident in saying the participation of college-aged students in the arts is a lot broader than it used to be.

“I think nowadays people [like students in college] have been exposed to more of the arts than years past and are more appreciative of it,” Smith said.

Smith said “Cinderella” will definitely entertain students, a production in an art form that used to be seen as elitist. With ballet companies becoming more and more popular in smaller markets, dancers have worked to really engage with the community and bring about a greater awareness to the art form, an ambition the cast and crew of “Cinderella” share.

As the artistic director of “Cinderella,” Smith is responsible for everything that happens onstage, from working with the lightning designer to the production staff to the costumer to the dancers themselves, and he is very passionate about his art.

“The interesting process for me is the artistic direction. It’s like a live painting of the story on stage, and I have a lot of personal investment in it from an artistic standpoint,” Smith said.

A trained ballet dancer himself, Smith is also the head choreographer for the show, solidifying the tremendous amount of work he has put into the production. A time comes, however, when he must let his role be finished.

“There comes a point where I have to turn it over to them. The dancers have to take ownership and make it their own,” he said proudly and optimistically. “I give them the artistic elements and tools to put on the best show they can put on, and there’s a moment in rehearsal where I have to say ‘it’s your show now, my job is done.'”

But like every good fairy tale, Smith illuminates that “of course everything [in the story] has a happy ending.”

“Cinderella” is playing March 13 and 14 at the Overture Center.