The Australian Ballet’s Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker

The Australian Ballet’s Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker brings festive magic to young audiences this summer.

The Australian Ballet invites children and families into a world of dancing snowflakes, twinkling sweets and festive wonder with Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker, a delightful production created especially for young audiences. 

The production will tour to four cities across Australia, with performances at the Sydney Opera House (Drama Theatre) from 18 December to 4 January, Canberra Theatre Centre (Playhouse) from 8 to 11 January, Brisbane Powerhouse from 15 to 18 January, and Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 22 to 25 January.  

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Tailored for budding ballet lovers, Storytime Ballet is a fun and interactive introduction to classical dance. With a performance time of just under an hour, children are guided by a narrator as they follow young Clara on her Christmas Eve adventure. 

From the moment her beloved nutcracker doll springs to life, Clara is swept into the glittering Land of Sweets, meeting the Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing snowflakes and the cheeky Mouse King. 

With a sprinkle of imagination and a little help from the audience, the narrator brings each scene to life. Children are warmly encouraged to join in, dressed in their finest ballet-inspired outfits. 

The Australian Ballet Artistic Director, David Hallberg said, “There’s something truly magical about introducing ballet to young audiences. Storytime Ballet inspires curiosity, joy and imagination, inviting children to step into the story and experience the excitement of live performance, often for the first time.” 

“The Nutcracker holds a special place in the hearts of audiences around the world. A festive tradition filled with wonder, charm and unforgettable music, it’s the perfect story to enchant young minds and celebrate the magic of the season through dance,” added Hallberg. 

Tchaikovsky’s music for The Nutcracker is loved all over the world. From the sparkling notes of the ‘Sugar Plum Fairy’ to joyful waltzes and playful dances, it’s filled with festive magic. In this production, the music is brought to life by a beautifully recorded performance from Orchestra Victoria, conducted by Nicolette Fraillon. 

This enchanting production features original choreography by Marius Petipa, with production and additional choreography by David McAllister, former Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet.  

Whether it’s your child’s first time at the ballet or a cherished holiday tradition, Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker is a heartwarming holiday experience that invites all ages to share in the joy of dance.  

Storytime Ballet, interactive performances for the next generation of dance enthusiasts, has been made possible by the generous support of Gandel Philanthropy, the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation, and many generous individuals across Australia. 

Tickets on sale Thursday 7 August 2025

SYDNEY 

  • 18 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 

  • Sydney Opera House 

  • Drama Theatre  

  • Audio Described: Saturday 27 December, 2:00pm 

  • AUSLAN Interpreted: Sunday 28 December, 2:00pm 

CANBERRA 

  • 8 – 11 January 2026 

  • Canberra Theatre Centre 

  • Playhouse 

  • AUSLAN Interpreted: Friday 9 January, 2:00pm  

BRISBANE 

  • 15 – 18 January 2026 

  • Brisbane Powerhouse 

  • AUSLAN Interpreted: Friday 16 January, 2:00pm  

MELBOURNE 

  • 22 – 25 January 2026 

  • Comedy Theatre 

  • AUSLAN Interpreted: Friday 23 January, 2:00pm 

Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker (McAllister) 

  • Choreography Marius Petipa 

  • Production and additional Choreography David McAllister 

  • Music Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 

  • Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker is performed to a soundtrack played by Orchestra Victoria and conducted by Nicolette Fraillon 

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS: Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker | The Australian Ballet 




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