Photo Flash: First Look at Storytime Ballet's THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

The Australian Ballet's Storytime Ballet is back with a production of The Sleeping Beauty. The company's first mainstage production created especially for children aged three years old and up, Storytime Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty will run in Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland from December 2017 to January 2018.

Check out photos below!

"After the success of the first season of Storytime Ballet in 2015, it's wonderful to be able to keep bringing productions to our youngest ballet fans," said Artistic Director David McAllister. "The Sleeping Beauty is one of the world's most-loved story ballets and it has been fantastic to create this immersive experience for families. It's the perfect introduction to ballet for children, as they follow this classic story of a sleeping princess and a prince searching for his true love."

Supported by Principal Partner Telstra, The Australian Ballet's Storytime Ballet series has been greeted with critical acclaim and many sold-out performances. Both kids and parents have responded warmly to this special program, which was made with children in mind at every step of the creative process.

Telstra General Manager of Media and Sponsorships, Genelle Sharples, said, "For more than three decades, our partnership with The Australian Ballet has centred on creating innovative ways to bring new audiences to the wonder of ballet.

"Telstra is again proud to support Storytime Ballet. Taking the classical art form to a new generation in new venues across Australia and for our Telstra customers, we are pleased to offer an exclusive presale through Telstra Thanks®." Ms. Sharples said.

With a performance duration of just under an hour, designed to suit kids under the age of eleven, this live and interactive production features a narrator to guide the
audience through the ballet. Children are encouraged to come dressed in their favourite ballet-inspired outfits and can interact with the performers on stage.

Storytime Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty brings to the stage this classical ballet featuring Princess Aurora, Prince Désiré, a sparkling crowd of fairies, and storybook
characters including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf. Storytime Ballet is sure to become an annual family favourite. Expect little ones to be dancing down the hallway with (almost) perfect pirouettes, long after the curtain comes down.

Arts Centre Melbourne, 13 - 17 December
Sydney Opera House, 20 - 29 December
The Concourse Chatswood, 3 - 6 January
The Events Centre Caloundra, 10 - 11 January
The Arts Centre Gold Coast, 13 January
Brisbane Powerhouse, 16 - 20 January
Bunjil Place Narre Warren, 24 - 25 January

Telstra Thanks is offering an exclusive presale for Telstra customers, from Monday 4 September to Sunday 10 September telstra.com/ballet. Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday 11 September. Visit australianballet.com.au

Photo Credit: Jeff Busby