New Haven Ballet Dancers from the Shoreline Bring The Sleeping Beauty to the Shubert

This spring, shoreline families will see familiar faces on a grand stage as New Haven Ballet presents a special children’s edition of the beloved classical ballet The Sleeping Beauty at the Shubert Theatre on Saturday, May 23 at 1:00 p.m.

Thoughtfully adapted for young audiences, this version preserves the beauty and storytelling of the original, while offering an accessible, family-friendly introduction to classical ballet. Set to the radiant score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the production tells the timeless tale of a princess, powerful fairies, and a kingdom transformed by courage and hope.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Giroir

What makes this performance especially meaningful for shoreline communities is the strong presence of local dancers in both leading and supporting roles. Princess Aurora will be performed by a dancer from Branford, while fairies, courtiers, and other featured roles are danced by students from Madison, Guilford, Branford, Clinton, Durham, and neighboring shoreline towns. For many of these young performers, appearing on the Shubert stage marks a milestone in their artistic journey.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Giroir

The featured presentation of The Sleeping Beauty anchors a dynamic mixed-bill program. In addition to the ballet, audiences will enjoy select contemporary and Broadway inspired works, along with performances by the School’s Shared Ability artists. The afternoon showcases the full artistic range and inclusive spirit of New Haven Ballet.

The production features dancers ages 4 to 18, giving young audience members the special

thrill of seeing performers close to their own age bring a fairytale to life on a professional stage. For children who dream of the spotlight, or who simply love stories filled with magic, this performance offers inspiration and wonder in equal measure.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Giroir

Families are warmly encouraged to join the fun by attending in costume. Young audience members may come dressed as their favorite woodland sprite, fairy, royal courtier, or imaginative character. Following the performance, children are invited to stay for a meet-and-greet with the fairies from the ballet, a chance for photos, autographs, and a magical moment up close.

With a running time of approximately one hour and 45 minutes, including one intermission, the program is ideally suited for families and first-time theatergoers.

Tickets are now on sale at shubert.com

For shoreline families seeking a memorable cultural outing this spring, The Sleeping Beauty promises an afternoon where local talent, timeless music, and fairytale magic come together on one stage.