There is something a bit magical about watching very young children experience ballet for the first time. The wide eyes, the spontaneous clapping, the occasional whispered “wow”. It is a reminder that art does not need to be complicated to move us. And that is exactly what English National Ballet and English National Ballet School have achieved with the latest instalment of their My First Ballet series.
I am still smiling as I write this, thinking of My First Ballet: Cinderella at the brand?new Sadler’s Wells East theatre. This was the first show of the new season – not a debut of the series (which has been running since 2012) but a fresh, beautifully crafted production that welcomes a whole new wave of families into the world of classical ballet.
Watching these young dancers shine and move so lightly across the stage was a joy. Every step felt effortless, every moment full of feeling – a lovely reminder that big dreams start small. This is where passion takes its first bow, and the future of ballet begins.
A ballet for the very youngest audience
Since 2012, over 360,000 people have enjoyed the My First Ballet series, created by English National Ballet and English National Ballet School (ENBS) to bring the joy of classical ballet to young audiences and their families. Choreographed by George Williamson, this new production features students of ENBS and its Graduate Artists Programme.
The story gently reimagines Cinderella (or “Ella”) in an enchanted forest, surrounded by beautiful nature, kind animals and unexpected friends. Rather than dark palaces and complex drama, we find a world of leaves, flowers, living creatures and simple kindness. The storytelling is shorter, brighter and more upbeat than a traditional full?length ballet and that makes all the difference when your audience includes babies, toddlers and busy parents.
My first time at Sadler’s Wells East – and what a first time
For me, this performance was extra special. It was the first time I had visited the newly built and opened Sadler’s Wells East theatre. The space is modern, welcoming and surprisingly intimate – perfect for a show aimed at little ones. No stuffy formality, just clean lines, and a warm atmosphere.
And the audience? Full of babies and toddlers, lots of parents, and people who, like me, appreciate a simpler, shorter version of a classic ballet. No one worried about a wriggling child or a sudden happy squeal. The whole theatre felt like a community of families discovering ballet together. That is exactly how it should be.
The story, simply told
The programme tells us that Ella lives at the edge of the forest, growing up close to nature. Guided by her mother, she learns to care for all living things and becomes gentle, curious and kind. After her mother dies and her father disappears, a strict Stepmother and two unruly Stepsisters take over her home. Ella is forbidden from going outside or talking to the animals she loves. But she keeps her love of the forest alive and secretly dreams of being free.
In Act I, a Woman from the Woods appears at the door. Ella welcomes her with simple kindness and, in return, receives a small gift and encouraging words. An invitation arrives for Prince Rowan’s Garden Ball, celebrating all who love nature. The Stepsisters go, but Ella is left behind. Alone, she dances with the Scarecrow – who later comes to life with the help of animals: Spring Hare, Summer Stag, Autumn Fox and Winter Owl. With a touch of Fairy Godmother magic, Ella is transformed in flowers, leaves and living things, and carried to the ball. The magic lasts only until midnight.
In Act II, the palace garden is alive with dancing. The Stepsisters’ disastrous efforts backfire, and the Prince slips away to a quieter part of the garden. There he meets Ella. They dance together, feel an instant connection, and then the clock strikes twelve. Ella hurries away, leaving behind one shoe. The Prince vows to find its owner. When he arrives at Ella’s cottage, the shoe fits only Ella. She chooses kindness over revenge, sends her stepfamily on their way, and returns to the forest with the Prince – where they live happily ever after.
Young dancers, big hearts
What truly made this production unforgettable was watching the students of ENBS take their big debut on the stage of Sadler’s Wells East. These are young dancers at the very start of their professional journeys, yet they moved with lightness, commitment and genuine emotion. You could see the concentration on their faces, but also the pure joy of performing. It was touching to realise that for many of them, this might be their first time dancing on such a prestigious London stage – and they rose to the occasion beautifully.
The choreography by George Williamson is thoughtful and accessible. He understands that very young children do not need complex steps to be captivated; they need clarity, character and a little bit of magic. The animal roles were especially charming, and the Scarecrow’s transformation brought gasps of delight from the little ones around me.
Why this series matters
English National Ballet opens up the possibilities of ballet. Founded in 1950 by Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, the company has danced great classics like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker for over 75 years. But the My First Ballet series is something else: a genuine gift to families who might otherwise feel that ballet is not “for them”. By shortening the running time, brightening the storytelling and placing young dancers at the heart of the production, ENB and ENBS have created a warm welcome for the next generation of ballet lovers.
English National Ballet School, rated Outstanding by Ofsted and recognised as an Exemplary Provider by Trinity College London, trains just 30 students each year. The care and quality were evident in every performer. Watching them, I felt hopeful for the future of dance.
If you have a toddler, a pre?schooler or simply a love for gentle, uplifting ballet, do not miss My First Ballet: Cinderella. It is short enough to hold the smallest attention spans, beautiful enough to move the adults, and performed with heart by young dancers taking their very first steps on a professional stage.
And if you have not yet visited the new Sadler’s Wells East – go. It is a wonderful venue for family outings, and this production is the perfect excuse.
As the lights came up, I heard a little voice behind me say, “Again!” I knew exactly how she felt.
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Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
