English National Ballet presents My First Ballet: Swan Lake at the Peacock Theatre Easter 2024

English National Ballet and English National Ballet School present a family-friendly version of the iconic ballet Swan Lake, as part of My First Ballet series created especially for children as young as three. Adapted to an hour in length and with a narrator to help young audiences follow the story, My First Ballet: Swan Lake is the perfect introduction to the magic of ballet.

Featuring choreography by Antonio Castilla, English National Ballet’s Repetiteur, and Dramaturgy by Lou Cope, this version follows the familiar story of Swan Lake, but told from a different point of view. The performance is accompanied by a shortened version of Tchaikovsky’s acclaimed music.

The My First Ballet series is performed by students of English National Ballet School, providing them with valuable rehearsal and performance experience within a professional touring company. This year, artists from English National Ballet will be guesting in several performances.

Aaron S. Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet, said: “The My First Ballet series is English National Ballet’s opportunity to introduce the magical experience of ballet to a new generation of audiences. It is our aim to provide a first introduction to the artform in a way that is accessible and welcoming, whilst maintaining high standards of artistry and production. My First Ballet is also a unique chance for the second-year students of English National Ballet School to tour a professional production and gain valuable industry insight and experience. I hope that My First Ballet: Swan Lake will cast its spell once again, and spark an ongoing love of live performance for tomorrow’s ballet fans”.

Antonio Castilla, Choreographer of My First Ballet: Swan Lake, said: “I’m very excited to be working on this project, once again, and to be charged with telling our young audiences this wonderful story.  This version of My First Ballet: Swan Lake, focus on Odile, rather than Odette, with the narrative following her journey and the difficult decision she must make, allowing us to explore important themes of friendship, forgiveness and honesty.”

Since its creation in 2012, over 320,000 people have enjoyed English National Ballet’s My First Ballet series. With a total of 22 performances at the West End’s Peacock Theatre, this production offers a pleasant day out for families during Easter 2024.

Families can also experience the magic of My First Ballet: Swan Lake on stage at the Peacock Theatre in a series of creative ballet workshops, led by English National Ballet’s Associate Dance Artists and accompanied by live musicians. Participants will also have the chance to get up close to the beautiful costumes and production scenery.