Here's a breakdown:
* Cinderella is given a chance: Her fairy godmother appears and grants her wishes, providing her with a beautiful gown, glass slippers, and a carriage to attend the ball.
* Cinderella attends the ball: Cinderella arrives at the ball and immediately captures the Prince's attention. They dance and have a wonderful time, seemingly oblivious to the clock ticking away.
* The clock strikes twelve: As the magical spell begins to wear off, Cinderella hurriedly leaves the ball, losing one of her glass slippers in the process.
* The Prince's search: The Prince, smitten with Cinderella, vows to find the woman who fits the glass slipper. This sets up the climax of the story.
The middle section of Cinderella is crucial because it establishes the romantic element of the story and sets the stage for the Prince to actively seek out Cinderella.