The Australian Ballet invites children and families to experience a joyful and unforgettable introduction to the magic of ballet with Storytime Ballet: Cinderella, a delightful production created by choreographer and former Artistic Director David McAllister AC. Filled with fairy godmothers, sparkling ballgowns and magical transformations, the interactive production is specially designed to inspire young audiences and first-time theatregoers.
The production will tour to four cities across Australia, with performances at the Sydney Opera House (Drama Theatre) from 17 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, Adelaide Festival Centre (Dunstan Playhouse) from 7 to 10 January, Brisbane Powerhouse from 14 to 16 January, and Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 20 to 23 January.
Perfect for young ballet lovers, Storytime Ballet is a fun and interactive introduction to classical dance. With a performance time of under an hour, children are guided by a narrator as they follow Cinderella’s magical journey to the ball. Along the way, audiences will meet her wicked stepsisters, a charming prince and a fairy godmother who transforms Cinderella in a dazzling on-stage moment complete with a sparkling ballgown and glass slippers.
With a sprinkle of imagination and a little help from the audience, the narrator brings each scene to life. Children are warmly encouraged to join in, dressed in their favourite ballet-inspired outfits and waving their magical wands throughout the performance.
The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director, David Hallberg said, “Storytime Ballet is a wonderful introduction to the art form for young audiences. Cinderella is one of the world’s most beloved fairy tales.
“Filled with humour, heart and transformation, Cinderella is the perfect story to inspire imagination and create lasting memories for families experiencing ballet together. For many children, Storytime Ballet becomes the beginning of a lifelong connection to dance and live performance,” added Hallberg.
Sergei Prokofiev’s music for Storytime Ballet: Cinderella is filled with sweeping melodies, playful moments and enchanting music that brings the fairy tale to life. In this production, the music is a beautifully recorded soundtrack by Orchestra Victoria, conducted by The Australian Ballet’s Music Director and Chief Conductor Jonathan Lo.
We acknowledge our Presenting Partner, Barbie®, whose generous support is helping expand access to ballet for more families across Australia. Their partnership enables additional AUSLAN-interpreted performances throughout the tour and supports the continuation of our Audio Described performance program at the Sydney Opera House, ensuring more children and families can experience the joy of ballet.
With close to 39,000 attendees in the 2025/26 season, Storytime Ballet has become a beloved holiday tradition for families. Whether it’s a child’s first experience at the theatre or a festive family outing, Storytime Ballet: Cinderella promises a joyful and unforgettable introduction to the magic of ballet.
Tickets are on sale now at https://australianballet.com.au/performances/storytime-ballet.
