I’ve always wanted to take my girls to the ballet. There’s something so timeless and magical about it. But at the same time, I knew it could be a bit of a gamble – ballets are often long, sometimes hard to interpret for younger children, and tickets can be pricey. I didn’t want to spend the money only to find they weren’t enjoying themselves.
I really wanted the girls to experience ballet because I could see how many benefits it could bring them. For one, it’s such a beautiful way to open their eyes to the arts – the music, the movement, the storytelling, it’s a whole new world for them to discover.
I also love that ballet can spark their imagination and empathy. Watching the dancers express emotions without saying a word encourages the girls to think deeply and connect with the story in their own way. It’s also a wonderful chance for them to practice patience and focus. Sitting through a live performance and following the story requires their attention in a way that’s so different from TV or screens.
On top of that, I think it’s inspiring for them to see what dedication and discipline can achieve. The skill of the dancers really shows them the value of hard work and practice. The best part is that it’s a shared family experience. It’s something we can enjoy together, and I know these are the kind of memories that will stay with them as they grow up.
That’s when I discovered My First Ballet – a series created especially for children, with shorter, more engaging performances and a narrator guiding the story. It felt like the perfect way to introduce the girls to the world of ballet.
Their very first ballet was Swan Lake, performed at the Peacock Theatre. The venue was easy to get to, and even though it was busy, we secured some great seats close to the stage. From the moment the curtain went up, the girls were completely captivated.
What made it particularly special was the narrator, who explained each scene in a beautifully simple way, helping the children follow the story and understand what was happening on stage. The performance was condensed but still enchanting, and it struck the perfect balance between accessibility and magic.
The girls were absolutely blown away. In fact, they loved it so much they’re now begging to see the full version of Swan Lake—or even a ballet at the Royal Opera House!
We actually booked tickets to see The Snowman ballet last Christmas, but unfortunately I fell poorly and we couldn’t make it. It’s still on our list, and I’d especially love to take them to see The Nutcracker over the festive season. There are just so many wonderful options, and now that the girls have had a taste of ballet, I know they’ll be just as enchanted the next time we go. For me, introducing them to the ballet this way was the perfect choice—and I couldn’t be happier that they’re already asking for more.
We’ve got tickets booked to see Swan Lake in the New Year and cannot wait.
