#TBT: Alina Cojocaru and Johan Kobborg in Cinderella (2003)

We’ve all dreamt of it: dancing a romantic pas de deux with your real-life love interest. Alina Cojocaru and Johan Kobborg have done it countless times as one of ballet’s most beloved on- and offstage couples. In this immaculate 2003 performance with The Royal Ballet, where they were then principals, their chemistry brings magic to their roles in Sir Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella.

As the title character, Cojocaru, who is now a lead principal at English National Ballet, dances with gorgeous generosity–as well as flexibility and turnout. Her lines are long and expansive, and her 6 o’clock penchés inspire awe. True to the Ashton style, the pas is full of unexpected partnering feats, like the lift at 2:52, where Cojocaru balances almost completely upside down on Kobborg’s shoulder, and the stunning choreographic motif in which Kobborg supports Cojocaru as she appears to leap in slow motion as across the stage. Their trust in one another truly brings the fairytale to life. Happy #ThrowbackThursday!