If you have a little one who loves twirling around the lounge room in a tutu, this is the show to book. The Australian Ballet is bringing its beloved Storytime Ballet series to Adelaide, with a sparkling production of Cinderella landing at the Adelaide Festival Centre from 7 to 10 January 2027.
Designed especially for young audiences and their families, Storytime Ballet takes the classic fairytale and brings it to life through beautiful choreography, live music, and costumes that will have your kids mesmerised from the moment the curtain rises.
What to expect from the show
Storytime Ballet: Cinderella runs for approximately 55 minutes with no interval, making it the perfect length for younger attention spans. The production has been carefully crafted to introduce children to the magic of ballet, with all the key story moments they know and love: the fairy godmother’s transformation, the glittering ball, and of course, that famous glass slipper.
The Australian Ballet’s dancers bring professional-level performance to a show that never feels intimidating or inaccessible for little ones. It’s a proper introduction to the art form, just scaled to suit young audiences.
Why Storytime Ballet works for families
Taking kids to the theatre can feel like a gamble. Will they sit still? Will they understand what’s happening? Will you spend the whole time shushing them? Storytime Ballet is designed with all of this in mind.
The shorter running time keeps things moving, and the familiar story means kids can follow along without needing to read a program or have the plot explained in whispers. The production uses clear storytelling through movement, so even the youngest audience members can understand what’s unfolding on stage.
For parents, it’s a chance to share something beautiful with your children. There’s something special about watching your child experience live performance for the first time, seeing their face light up as dancers leap and spin across the stage.
Performance details
Storytime Ballet: Cinderella will be performed at the Adelaide Festival Centre from 7 to 10 January 2027. This is an Adelaide-exclusive season, so it’s worth locking in your dates early, particularly if you’re planning to bring a group or want the best seats.
Multiple sessions are available across the season, which is helpful if you’re trying to work around nap times or other school holiday commitments. Check the Adelaide Festival Centre website for specific session times and ticket prices.
Tips for your visit
If this is your child’s first ballet experience, consider chatting to them about the story beforehand. Read the Cinderella picture book together in the days leading up to the show, so they’ll recognise the characters and key moments when they see them on stage.
Arriving a little early gives you time to find your seats, visit the bathroom, and let your child soak in the atmosphere of the theatre before the lights go down. The Festival Centre foyer is a lovely space to explore, and building that sense of anticipation is all part of the experience.
Dress-ups are always welcome at Storytime Ballet, so if your child wants to wear their favourite princess dress or sparkly shoes, let them go for it. You’ll likely spot plenty of other mini ballerinas in the audience.
Storytime Ballet: Cinderella is a beautiful way to spend a January morning or afternoon with your family. Whether your child is a budding dancer or simply loves a good fairytale, this production offers a memorable introduction to the world of ballet. Bookings are available through the Adelaide Festival Centre.
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