The Sacramento Ballet will present its full-length production of Ron Cunningham’s “Cinderella” during Valentine’s Day weekend.

Not seen in Sacramento since 1997, this production of the “rags to riches” love story — one of the world’s most beloved fairytales — has toured internationally to France, Hong Kong, Israel and Italy. It was the first American ballet ever performed in the People’s Republic of China.

Because of popular demand, a fifth performance has been added to the Valentine’s Day weekend schedule, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and at 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday, at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, 1301 L St., Sacramento.

This production was originally mounted for the Boston Ballet, and both of the Sacramento Ballet’s artistic directors were deeply involved.

Ron Cunningham was both the choreographer and performed the role of one of the Spoiled Stepsisters.

Carinne Binda performed the title role of Cinderella in performances in China, France, Israel and Italy.

“Cinderella has universal themes that appeal to all ages and all cultures, so it was the perfect choice to be the first American ballet performing in China where there is also a fairytale with many similarities,” said Mimi Kent, Sacramento Ballet marketing director.

It was broadcast to a Chinese television audience of 30 million people, she said.

At that time, it was the largest audience ever to see a broadcast ballet.

Tickets are on sale now at the Community Center Theater box office, at (916) 808-5181 or online at Tickets.com.

For more information, visit sacballet.org.

~Staff report

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WHEN:

7:30 p.m., Feb. 9

7:30 p.m., Feb. 10

2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11

2 p.m., Feb. 12