Introducing children to theatre with My First Ballet: Cinderella

My First Ballet: Cinderella

24 March 2026

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Home / Introducing children to theatre with My First Ballet: Cinderella

At English National Ballet, our My First Ballet series aims to open up that world for children and families, with productions specially adapted for children as young as three. Here is everything you need to know about this magical production.

There’s something magical about a child’s first trip to the theatre. For young audiences, live performance isn’t just about entertainment – it’s an experience that can nurture confidence, spark imagination, encourage social engagement and create lasting memories.

At English National Ballet, our My First Ballet series aims to open up that world for children and families, with productions specially adapted for children as young as three. Here’s what you can expect – no prior ballet experience needed!

Touring nationally across the UK:

This spring, we’re delighted to share a brand-new production, My First Ballet: Cinderella, with families across the country, including visits to:

  • New Victoria Theatre, Woking (28-29 March)
  • Sadler’s Wells East, London (1-12 April)
  • Lighthouse, Poole (18-19 April)
  • Grand Opera House, York (9-10 May)
  • Wyvern Theatre, Swindon (23-24 May)
  • Newcastle Theatre Royal (30-31 May)

One of the world’s most loved stories:

My First Ballet: Cinderella tells the tale of nature-loving Cinderella (or ‘Ella’), who lives on the edge of an enchanted forest where she once gardened and sang with her mother. But, when loss and silence settle over her home, she’s left in the care of a sharp-tongued stepmother, two noisy stepsisters, and a house full of chores and shadows. Everything changes when an invitation to the Garden Ball arrives, setting Cinderella on a journey of self-discovery guided by the spirit of her mother and the magic of the forest.

What can children get from a trip to the theatre?

1) It can help them to understand their emotions

Live performance can help children understand and process emotions in a safe and imaginative way. In My First Ballet: Cinderella, young audiences follow the nature-loving Ella as she navigates sadness, change and discovers her inner strength.

2) It encourages imagination and curiosity

Live theatre creates space for children to imagine and be curious. In My First Ballet: Cinderella, award-winning designer Rachael Canning brings the story to life with enchanting costumes, vibrant sets and magical puppetry. This creates a colourful, fantastical world where animals, nature and magic make the story tangible for young audiences.

With choreography by George Williamson and a specially adapted version of Prokofiev’s iconic score, the production introduces children to classical music and dance in an accessible, fun way.

3) It can help develop a child’s focus and attention

With a running time of one hour and 20 minutes (including an interval), My First Ballet: Cinderella is designed to suit young attention spans while offering a full theatrical experience.

Attending a live performance encourages little ones to sit, watch and concentrate for an extended period, share the experience with others, and interpret music and movement. These experiences help build listening and focus skills that support learning in school and beyond.

4) It makes ballet easy to follow and enjoy

Though not usually a fixture of traditional ballets, My First Ballet: Cinderella has a narrator to help younger audiences follow the story. The narrator describes key moments to give more context about what is happening and the characters on stage.

Watch this video for an example of how this works for My First Ballet: Swan Lake:

A dramatic ballet scene set under a glowing moonlit sky. On the left, a male dancer as Prince Siegfried kneels with arms outstretched towards a ballerina in a white tutu as Odette, who stands gracefully in pointe. On the right, a dancer as Rothbart leaps dynamically with outspread arms and a dark, wing-like costume. The stage is framed by rocky scenery and an arched silhouette of trees.

Did you know we have a BSL interpreted performance for My First Ballet: Cinderella on Thursday 9 April at 2:30pm at Sadler’s Wells East, London, as well as a relaxed performance on 8 April at 2:30pm and an audio described performance and touch tour on 11 April at 10:30 (touch tour at 9am). Find out more about our accessible events as part of the My First Ballet series here.

5) It introduces children to the joy of music and movement

A first experience of live performance can be the start of a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Watching dancers bring a story to life through movement and music introduces children to ballet in an accessible and exciting way.

For some, it may simply be a magical day out. For others, it could be the beginning of a lasting interest in dance, music, or storytelling, and a reason to keep coming back to the theatre.

 

Ready to plan your child’s first theatre experience?
See tour dates and book your tickets for My First Ballet: Cinderella today.