Every art form has its own specific gateway, that one entry show that delights and dazzles young (and old) fans and sets their feet on the road to adoration. For balletomanes, that production is often The Sleeping Beauty, a beloved classical ballet that manages to pack plenty of wide-eyed wonder into the famous fairytale (princess falls foul of christening guest, pricks finger, falls asleep for 100 years and is woken by love’s true kiss, if you need a refresher). 

This tenth anniversary production was the first full-length work to be created by Australian Ballet’s former artistic director, David McAllister, with breathtaking balances, romantic pas de deux, and colourful and energetic contributions from the wedding guests. Tchaikovsky’s beloved score is of course instantly familiar, while opulent costumes from award-winning Gabriela Tylesova add texture and drama as they shimmer and shine with haute couture detail under the lights. While part of the pleasure of this kind of ballet is seeing the magic light up the eyes of younger audience members for the first time, seasoned fans will also find plenty to admire in this lush retelling which represents classical ballet at its best.

The Sleeping Beauty, Adelaide Festival Theatre, Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Tuesday 22–Tuesday 29 July; main picture: Kate Longley.