There’s a unique magic in taking your child to their first ballet, whether it’s during the holiday season or any other time of year. The excitement builds as the lights dim, the curtain rises, and the music fills the theater, all set against the backdrop of stunning costumes and graceful dancers. Ballet offers a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of storytelling through movement. If you’re planning to bring your child to the ballet, this guide will help you know what to expect and introduces three beautiful ballets perfect for young audiences.
What to expect from the ballet
Ballet is a form of storytelling told entirely through movement and music – without words. For children, this can be magical, but also unfamiliar. Preparing your child ahead of time helps them get the most out of the experience.
- Read the story beforehand: Many ballets, especially those aimed at families, follow clear storylines. Reading a short version of the story together before the performance helps your child follow what’s happening on stage.
- Arrive early and explore: Arriving early lets you settle in without rushing, look around the theatre, and soak in the excitement. Some family-friendly productions even offer themed activities or photo opportunities in the lobby.
- Talk during the intermission: Ballets are usually divided into acts with a break in the middle. This is a great time to talk about what you’ve seen – who’s your favourite character so far and what you think will happen next.
- Be flexible: If your child is very young, they may not sit perfectly still – and that’s okay. Choose aisle seats if possible, and don’t worry if you need to step out briefly.
Three child-friendly ballets to start with
The following ballets are perfect introductions to the world of dance. They offer strong visual storytelling, beautiful music, and plenty of magic to captivate young audiences.
1. The Nutcracker – A magical Christmas classic
Filled with sparkling costumes, unforgettable music, and a magical atmosphere, The Nutcracker is the perfect first ballet – and the ‘must-see’ ballet at Christmas.
Synopsis:
On Christmas Eve, young Clara’s family hosts a festive holiday party filled with dancing guests and playful children. Her mysterious godfather, Drosselmeyer, arrives with magical gifts and gives Clara a wooden Nutcracker doll, which she instantly adores. But her jealous brother Fritz breaks it – until Drosselmeyer repairs it with a touch of magic.
That night, Clara sneaks downstairs to check on the Nutcracker. As the clock strikes midnight, the room transforms: the Christmas tree grows huge, and the Nutcracker comes to life to lead toy soldiers into battle against the evil Mouse King. With Clara’s help, the Nutcracker triumphs, breaking a curse and revealing his true form – a handsome prince.
The Prince takes Clara on a journey through the glittering Land of Snow and then to the magical Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. There, they’re honored with dazzling dances from around the world: Spanish chocolate, Arabian coffee, Chinese tea, Russian candy canes, and more.
The ballet ends with Clara either waking by the tree with her Nutcracker (or departing the Land of Sweets) leaving the audience to wonder if it was all a dream, or something more magical.
If you’d like to see The Nutcracker brought to life onstage, The Australian Ballet’s Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker will run at the Sydney Opera House from 18 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Meanwhile, Queensland Ballet presents Ben Stevenson’s beloved production from 5 to 13 December 2025 at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC.
2. Coppélia – A playful ballet with a touch of comedy
Set in a charming, sun-drenched village, Coppélia is a joyful and comedic ballet full of playful mischief, mistaken identities, and a touch of magic. It’s an ideal introduction to ballet for young audiences, combining beautiful classical dancing with lively storytelling and humour.
Synopsis:
The story centres on Swanhilda, a spirited young woman preparing for a village festival with her fiancé, Franz. Their plans go awry when Franz becomes fascinated by a mysterious, silent girl who often appears reading on a balcony. Swanhilda grows suspicious…and jealous. Who is this beautiful stranger, and why does she never speak?
She soon discovers the truth: the girl is actually a life-sized mechanical doll created by the eccentric inventor Dr. Coppélius, who lives alone in a house full of strange machines. Determined to uncover more, Swanhilda and her friends sneak into his workshop, where she hatches a clever plan.
Disguising herself as the doll, Swanhilda pretends to come to life, dancing with comical, mechanical movements. Dr. Coppélius, believing his invention has truly awakened, is overjoyed, until chaos ensues.
Meanwhile, Franz sneaks into the house, still hoping to meet the “girl,” but ends up captured by Dr. Coppélius, who attempts a bizarre experiment to animate the doll using Franz’s life force. Swanhilda steps in just in time, revealing the trick and rescuing Franz.
In the final act, all is forgiven, and the village celebrates with music, dancing, and the joyful wedding of Swanhilda and Franz. Coppélia is a charming, light-hearted tale full of humour, heart, and a happy ending.
3. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – A surreal and visually stunning journey
Follow Alice as she tumbles down the rabbit hole into a world filled with wonder and eccentric characters: the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts. Based on Lewis Carroll’s beloved story, this ballet is a riot of colour and creativity. The imaginative sets, elaborate costumes, and whimsical choreography make this a perfect choice for children who love fantasy and adventure.
Synopsis:
In the calm and orderly world of Victorian England, young Alice longs for adventure. Her imagination is sparked when she spots a curious White Rabbit dressed in a waistcoat and checking a pocket watch. She follows him and tumbles down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where nothing is as it seems.
As she journeys through this surreal landscape, Alice encounters a series of strange and whimsical characters: the mysterious Cheshire Cat, the laid-back Caterpillar, and the eccentric Mad Hatter, who hosts a wildly unconventional tea party. Each scene bursts to life through expressive choreography, playful music, and inventive staging.
Alice also visits the extravagant Queen of Hearts, whose fiery temper and larger-than-life personality dominate her court. In a garden of living playing cards and a chaotic croquet match with flamingos and hedgehogs, Alice navigates a world ruled by nonsense and surprise.
As the Queen’s world spirals into confusion and danger, Alice is swept into a dreamlike climax. Just as the Queen demands her execution, the fantasy begins to unravel – and Alice awakens back in the real world, forever changed by her journey through Wonderland.
This clip from The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon for The Royal Ballet, captures the wit and theatrical flair of this imaginative scene from his acclaimed ballet Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Final thoughts
Taking your child to the ballet at Christmas is more than just a holiday outing – it’s a beautiful way to open the door to the arts, imagination, and live performance. Whether they dream of being on stage someday or simply enjoy the magic from their seat, you’re giving them a gift they’ll never forget.
