5 ballets for new audiences

This Christmas classic is often a future balletomane’s introduction to ballet. A magical story that takes place on Christmas eve, it’s hard not to be swept up by the majesty of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s familiar score and into the land of sweets where toys come to life, sugar plum fairies dance and a dashing Nutcracker Prince sweeps you off your feet. Suitable for adults and children, The Nutcracker has become a festive tradition for many ballet lovers.

Sometimes, not knowing is the answer. George Balanchine’s stunning ballet, Jewels, is regarded as one of the first abstract or ‘plotless’ ballets. Inspired by a trip down New York’s 5th Avenue, Balanchine turned the sparkling emeralds, rubies and diamonds from the Van Cleef & Arpels store window into a three-act ballet of dazzling proportions. Because Jewels is a non-narrative ballet, you can sit back, relax and soak up the glittering array of dancers before you. Completely open to interpretation, Jewels is whatever you want it to be!

Christopher Wheeldon’s wild and colourful Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland^© is an immersive ballet experience like no other! Featuring all the fabulous characters from Lewis Carroll’s novel, Alice is a quirky contemporary ballet that includes impressive special effects that take the audience down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland.

Alexei Ratmansky’s retelling of the rags-to-riches folk tale from Charles Perrault (and later the Brothers Grimm) is an easy-to-follow ballet with clear-cut heroes and villains, and hilarious comedic moments. Bright and colourful, the familiar story and exaggerated characters make this a delightfully accessible ballet for any audience member.

Another classic fairytale, The Sleeping Beauty is a lavish production that features some of the most spectacular sets and costumes in ballet. The Australian Ballet premiered former Artistic Director, David McAllister’s The Sleeping Beauty in 2015, and it remains one of the most extravagant, elegant and magical productions in our repertoire. A royal love story featuring both good and wicked fairies, intricate dancing and special effects to wow you, The Sleeping Beauty is a whimsical ballet for both seasoned and new audiences.

Tailored towards the youngest ballet fans, The Australian Ballet offers Storytime Ballet. Each December to January we present a classic ballet for children aged three and older. With a running time of under an hour, and a narrator to guide and interact with the audience, Storytime Ballet will enchant ballet lovers of any age. Check The Australian Ballet website for future Storytime Ballet productions.