The Great Classical Ballets
A handful of ballets are performed by companies around the world year after year. If you are new to ballet — either as a parent taking your child to their first performance, or as an adult dancer curious about the repertoire — this guide introduces the most famous works, their stories, and what makes each one special.
Swan Lake (1876)
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Story: Prince Siegfried falls in love with Odette, a princess enchanted by an evil sorcerer (Von Rothbart) and turned into a swan by day. The sorcerer tries to break the spell by tricking Siegfried into pledging love to Odile — the Black Swan — instead.
What to look for: The pas de deux between the White Swan (Odette) and the prince is one of the most famous scenes in all of ballet. The Black Swan Act III is famous for its 32 fouettés — a demanding sequence of whipping turns performed by the ballerina playing Odile.
Best for: All ages, though the story has a melancholic ending in some versions. Duration: approximately 2.5–3 hours including interval.
The Nutcracker (1892)
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Story: Clara receives a nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, which comes to life and takes her on a magical adventure through the Kingdom of Sweets.
What to look for: The Snow Scene and the Waltz of the Snowflakes are breathtaking ensemble pieces. The Sugar Plum Fairy’s solo is one of the most recognisable passages in ballet.
Best for: Young children making their first trip to the ballet. Performed at Christmas time by virtually every major company worldwide. Duration: approximately 1.5–2 hours.
Sleeping Beauty (1890)
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Story: Princess Aurora is cursed at birth by the evil fairy Carabosse to die by a spinning wheel. A good fairy softens the curse — Aurora will not die, but sleep until woken by a prince’s kiss.
What to look for: The Rose Adagio in Act I, where Aurora balances on pointe while taking each prince’s hand in turn, is a supreme test of a ballerina’s technique and poise.
Best for: Children aged 5 and over. The story is familiar and the costumes are spectacular. Duration: approximately 3 hours including intervals.
Giselle (1841)
Music: Adolphe Adam
Story: Giselle, a peasant girl, falls in love with a nobleman in disguise. When she discovers his deception and his engagement to another woman, she dies of a broken heart and joins the Wilis — spirits of jilted women who dance men to their deaths.
What to look for: Act II, the “white act,” is one of the most technically and emotionally demanding passages in the classical repertoire — the corps de ballet of Wilis must maintain perfect unison in difficult lighting.
Best for: Older children and adults. The themes are adult and the production can be quite serious in tone. Duration: approximately 2 hours.
Romeo and Juliet (various versions)
Music: Sergei Prokofiev
Story: Shakespeare’s tragedy told through movement — two star-crossed lovers from feuding families.
What to look for: The Balcony Scene pas de deux is widely considered one of the most romantic scenes in any art form. The fight sequences are among the most dramatic staging in classical ballet.
Best for: Older children and teenagers who know the story. Duration: approximately 3 hours including intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ballet is best for a child’s first visit to the theatre?
The Nutcracker is almost universally recommended for first-time young audience members. The story is simple, the music is immediately recognisable, and many productions include spectacular staging that delights children of all ages.
Are these ballets always the same wherever you see them?
The music and general story are the same, but every company stages its own choreography and production design. Some contemporary versions make significant changes to costumes, setting, or even the ending. Check the production notes when booking.
Is the Nutcracker only performed at Christmas?
Nearly always, yes. The Nutcracker is the Christmas production for most major ballet companies and many amateur companies. It is rarely performed at other times of year.