With the festive season well and truly upon us, it can be stressful to find the perfect gift, but with a little help from the fairies from The Sleeping Beauty, Christmas can be truly magical. There's nothing more wonderful than picking the perfect gift for a loved one or seeing a little person light up at the sight of presents piled under the tree. From graceful gifts to delightful treats, let the fairy-tale festivities begin!
Thanks to our heritage partner CHANEL, we are preserving this historic production and the boundless gifts ballet brings us all.
Heather Bloom
13 Dec 2022
Nicola Curry In David McAllister's The Sleeping Beauty
Photo Daniel Boud
In The Sleeping Beauty, the fairy of Grace gifts young princess Aurora a delicate crystal glass, symbolising the purity and beauty she bestows upon her. Take inspiration from her with a set of crystal champagne flutes or delicate vase.
Gifting inspiration: Crystal champagne flutes
Amanda McGuigan in David McAllister's The Sleeping Beauty
Photo Kate Longley
Also know as Fleur de farine (wheat flower), this energetic fairy traditionally gives Aurora the gift of beauty. In David McAllister’s 2018 production, she becomes the fairy of Joy, displaying a joyous party spirit. This party girl loves to dance and anything bright, shiny and fun would suit her bubbly nature.
Gifting inspiration: A disco ball
Rina Nemoto. Photography Kate Longley
Generosity is also known as Miettes qui tombent (scattered breadcrumbs) or the Fairy of the Woodland Glades, she represents fertility and good fortune. However, this fairy can also be taken literally, with previous productions taking inspiration from her name and creating a breadcrumb themed costume.
Gifting inspiration: Pastry making classes
Jade Wood Photo Kate Longley
The Fairy of Musicality gives Aurora the gift of song, both a beautiful singing and speaking voice. Let the Songbird fairy be your muse with tickets to a live music event, a streaming service subscription, or vinyl record player for the truly old school.
Gifting Inspiration: A karaoke machine
Karen Nanasca Photo Kate Longley
I’m sure there are many parents who would love the power to gift their child with a good-natured temperament, or even the ability to sleep through the night. Fortunately for the King and Queen, Violente, or the Fairy of the Golden Vine is on hand to provide their baby princess a sweet temperament and strong conviction. If someone in your life is looking to reacquaint themselves with their Zen, perhaps a spa day or massage is just what the Temperament fairy ordered.
Gifting Inspiration: A yoga retreat
Ako Kondo. Photo Kate Longley.
The Lilac Fairy is a powerful magic creature throughout folklore who represents wisdom. In The Sleeping Beauty it is her magic that alters Carabosse’s curse and saves princess Aurora. It is thought that before she saved the day with her counter-curse she was to bestow Aurora the gift of wisdom. Take a leaf out of the Lilac fairy’s book and give an audiobook subscription or foreign language class to keep their astute minds occupied.
Gifting inspiration: A leather bound notebook to write down their many important thoughts.
Looking for a last-minute gift? Give the gift of ballet. You can choose from single tickets, gift cards or Season packages, create your own package of three or more ballet’s and secure the best seats for your loved one to enjoy a year of timeless beauty!
