In 2025, The Australian Ballet invites audiences to revisit the wonder and grandeur of David McAllister’s The Sleeping Beauty, returning to the stage to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its much-loved premiere.
This lavish production, first performed in 2015 and revived by popular demand in 2017, will once again grace theatres under the artistic direction of David Hallberg. With breathtaking sets, sumptuous costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this is a ballet experience designed to enchant audiences of all ages.
The season opens at Adelaide Festival Centre’s Festival Theatre from 22–29 July.
A centrepiece in the company’s repertoire, McAllister’s The Sleeping Beauty has now been performed 98 times, with projections to reach nearly 150 by the end of 2025. From the famed Rose Adage to the dazzling ACT III Wedding Pas de Deux, every revival breathes new life into this timeless story of romance, magic, and royal destiny.
“The Sleeping Beauty is an example of a timeless story told through the beauty of ballet. This beloved work holds a cherished place in our company’s history and has been a returning favourite for dancers and audiences alike,” said Artistic Director David Hallberg.
“As we prepare to present nearly 50 performances across the country from July to December, I reflect on how this ballet continues to captivate audiences and remain integral to our storytelling tradition.
Set to a score composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in just 40 days, the music of The Sleeping Beauty remains one of the most enduring and innovative in the ballet world. Tchaikovsky’s dramatic orchestration, rich in harmony and character depth, adds emotional resonance that continues to enchant listeners across generations.
The production is also a visual tour de force. Gabriela Tylesova’s award-winning set and costume designs bring the opulence of Louis XIV’s court to life with golden sets, glittering fabrics, and over 200 hand-crafted costumes—some tutus weighing up to five kilograms. The attention to detail extends to 89 custom-designed wigs by Alison Kidd, ensuring every character appears as if they’ve stepped out of a painting.
McAllister’s choreography pays homage to Marius Petipa’s original 19th-century vision, while embracing a modern sense of theatricality and grandeur that today’s audiences have come to expect from The Australian Ballet.
The 2025 season of The Sleeping Beauty is more than a ballet—it’s an invitation to step into an enchanting world, where elegance, artistry, and storytelling converge on stage. Whether you’re a long-time ballet lover or simply seeking a night of pure wonder, this production promises to deliver a truly unforgettable experience.
Tickets are available at adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
