ENB claim to make Ballet accessible to children as young as three. Editor Charlie Avella takes a trip to Sadler’s Wells, toddler in tow, to see if they have hit the mark and bring you this firsthand ‘My First Ballet’ Review.
Think taking a toddler to the ballet is a recipe for disaster? The hushed reverence, the lengthy acts… it all seems a bit much for a wriggly three-year-old. That is unless we are talking ENB’s Swan Lake – My First Ballet. The toddler friendly adaptation has returned to Sadlers Wells The Peacock this Easter and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to test it out on my (nearly) three year old.
From the moment we stepped into the Peacock Theatre, there was a palpable buzz of excitement. The theatre itself was shimmering with a sea of little girls and boys, proudly sporting their finest sparkly outfits, Elsa dresses, and tutus. It was clear this wasn’t just another outing; it was a special occasion, a first foray into a magical world for so many. And my daughter was no exception.
I can’t quite believe my little one’s reaction as the lights dimmed. Forget fidgeting – she was utterly captivated.
The performance begins with a reassuring and clever touch: a narrator (Araminta Wraith) in plain clothes, seated casually onstage, offering a simple, kid-friendly explanation of the unfolding story. This immediately engages the young audience and provides a comfortable bridge to the performers, effectively preventing any feelings of being overwhelmed.
What the English National Ballet has done here is nothing short of brilliant. They’ve taken the timeless beauty of Swan Lake and distilled it into a perfectly bite-sized 90 minutes, There is a much appreciated 20 min interval – Perfect for short attention spans and an obligatory ice cream. This isn’t a watered-down performance in terms of production values though. The dancers (all students of the English National Ballet School) are phenomenal, their technique flawless, and the costumes are exquisite. Think all the iconic moments, all the stunning visuals, just condensed and narrated in a way that even the littlest theatre-goer can understand and follow.
Even the music is a shortened version of the Tchaikovsky score reworked by Gavin Sutherland, the perfect accompaniment to Antonio Castilla’s Choreography. And yet all the essential ingredients remain – from pointe shoes to pas de deux and fancy footwork to feathered tutus. Young dancers will not be disappointed!
Even in its shortened form, the story of Swan Lake is full of drama, romance, and a clear battle between good and evil. We follow the beautiful Princess Odette (Haru Yokoo), cursed by the villainous sorcerer Rothbart (Luke Jones) to live as a swan by day, only returning to human form at night. There’s the handsome Prince Siegfried (ZAi Calliste), his burgeoning romance with Odette, and the powerful female friendship and solidarity amongst the swan maidens. Crucially, the plot has been thoughtfully reworked for young children, ensuring a positive and uplifting outcome rather than the tragic and hopeless end of the original.
My little one was completely invested in Odette’s plight and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. This, combined with the condensed running time, and the relaxed vibe that feels completely fitting for toddlers, makes it a truly special experience. There’s no pressure for absolute silence; a little gasp of wonder or a whispered question, inpromptu toilet trip or rustling of crisp packets all feels perfectly acceptable here.
For a ballet-loving Mum like me, being able to share this passion with my daughter was truly priceless. Literally perched on the edge of her seat, tiny hands clapping with pure delight, a resounding “boo!” echoing whenever the villain appeared, and wide-eyed mesmerization at the sheer artistry of the swan chorus. To see her so completely absorbed in the story, the music, the movement – it was one of those parenting moments you just want to bottle up forever. We left the Peacock Theatre buzzing, already plotting which ‘My First Ballet’ production we’ll see next.
Seriously, if you do one thing this Spring, make it this. It’s the perfect introduction to the enchanting world of classical ballet. Forget any preconceived notions of stuffy theatres – this is ballet designed with tiny, enthusiastic audiences in mind. You might just discover a budding ballerina (or at least a very enthusiastic audience member!) in your midst.
FAQs
What is the age recommendation for My First Ballet?
The show is recommended for ages 3+ but all ages are welcome and there were many younger siblings and babes in arms in tow during the performance we attended. in terms of an upper age limit – I really don’t think there is one. The dance content is still meaty enough to engage older children and teenagers.
Is there Buggy Parking?
Yes although be warned that the Buggy Park is down a flight of stairs and you will be encouraged to collapse buggies before entering the theatre.
My First Ballet Swan Lake is a joint venture by ENB and ENB School and will be showing at The Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street from 16th -27th April More Info Here
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