What to expect from ENB’s Accessible Performances of My First Ballet: Cinderella

23 April 2025

Read 4 mins

Home / What to expect from ENB’s Accessible Performances of My First Ballet: Cinderella

English National Ballet’s My First Ballet: Cinderella is a wonderful introduction to the world of ballet for ages 3+. As part of our mission to open up ballet to all we have a number of accessible performances designed to ensure everyone can experience the joy of ballet.

My First Ballet: Cinderella at Sadler’s Wells East

This year My First Ballet is taking place at Sadler’s Wells East, located off Stratford Walk, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 2AR.

For more information on getting to the theatre click here.

Sadler’s Wells East is fully accessible. You can access a Visual Story with detailed information about how to access the theatre and what to expect here.

Find out more about what to expect when you visit by watching this video:

What access performances are available?

Wed 8 Apr, 2:30pm – Relaxed Performance

Thu 9 Apr, 3pm – BSL Interpreted Performance

Sat 11 Apr, 10:30am – Audio described performance

Find out more about Sadler’s Wells’ Access for All Scheme here for information about discounted and Access tickets.

What is a BSL-interpreted performance?

Unlike many classical ballets, My First Ballet has a narrator who helps to describe the story happening on stage.

Our BSL performances are interpreted by a BSL signer, who use sign language to communicate what is being said by the on-stage narrator, making this more accessible to those who are d/Deaf.

What is an audio-described performance and touch tour?

An audio-described performance provides commentary to describe the visual elements of the show. It is designed for visually impaired audiences to allow them to follow the plot and understand the visual details.

For My First Ballet, the audio description is performed live by Vocal Eyes and is accessed via a headset. There are also a number of seats reserved for audiences who are partially sighted.

To accompany the audio-described performance, visually impaired audiences can enjoy a Touch Tour before the performance. A guide will take you backstage, or onto the stage itself, to feel costumes and pieces of the set, as well as learning more about the production and meeting some of the dancers who demonstrate the movement performed on stage.

Once you have purchased your ticket for the show, please email tickets@sadlerswells.com if you would like to book audio-description for this performance.

What is a Relaxed performance?

At our Relaxed Performances, we welcome everyone. We encourage audiences to enjoy and respond to the show in their own way, which often includes making noise and/or moving freely around the auditorium.

Our Relaxed Performances are sensory adapted and suitable for those with various access needs. Light and sound elements are altered, and the house lights are on throughout the performance.

A chill out space is provided with a comfortable place to rest. The show is available to watch live outside of the auditorium on a screen.

There is an open-door policy, meaning if you need a break, you can go in and out of the auditorium as much as you like.

We also offer a relaxed My First Ballet workshop on stage. Click here to find out more.

What happens in a Relaxed performance?

You will see…

  • Lots of groups and partners dancing
  • Textured sets
  • Props and costumes
  • The lights on stage change, with night time scenes

You will hear…

  • Music playing, with loud and quiet moments
  • A narrator speaking throughout the performance
  • Feet in different types of shoes moving on-stage
  • Applause throughout

Are there chill out spaces at the Theatre?

At the Relaxed performance there will be chill out spaces available, where audiences can come out of the theatre during the performance and relax if they need to.

What else do I need to know about ENB Access performances?

There will be signs around the building to help you find your way around the theatre.

There are also designated people who will be able to give you more information.

If you need further assistance on the da, please speak to the Sadler’s Wells East Ushers or one of our ENB Engagement Team helpers. Sadler’s Wells East Ushers will be wearing black t-shirts with a Sadler’s Wells logo on and ENB Staff will be wearing black t-shirts with a white English National Ballet logo on.

 

If you have any questions or feedback about our Access performances that you would like to share, please email engagement@ballet.org.uk.

To stay up to date with all of the information around access performances, sign up to our Access Newsletter here.