While The Australian Ballet tours to the USA, guest company The Stuttgart Ballet treats Melbourne to the dreamy dance delights of their pristine classical production of The Sleeping Beauty.

More than five decades since their last visit to Australia, this very welcome season from The Stuttgart Ballet sees the celebrated company share their treasured 1987 production The Sleeping Beauty, staged and choreographed by Marcia Haydée (after Marius Petipa). Collaborating with stage and costume designer Jürgen Rose, Haydée imparted a unique vision on the much loved classic whilst also fully respecting the enduring tradition of the intrinsically classical work. 

Whilst Aurora, the eponymous Beauty, remains the central role, Haydée expands the battle between good and evil waged between the dear Lilac Fairy and the fiendish Carabosse. The expanded role of Carabosse is danced by a man sporting long black hair, white kabuki-style face, and an enormous black cloak. The cloak hangs from overhead in a new interlude between the prologue and act one, in which Aurora is seen growing up towards her ill-fated sixteenth birthday. This sequence uses the music usually heard between acts two and three for Prince Désiré’s journey, not needed here with all action set at the one location. 

Haydée boosts the roles of Aurora’s four suitors, reassigning music usually danced by Aurora’s friends to expand the Princes’ choreography. A full complement of storybook characters take centre stage in act three, with divertissements performed by Snow White, Cinderella, Puss in Boots and the White Cat, Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. along with the near-iconic Bluebird and Princess Bluebird. One further addition is a spectacular Ali Baba dancing with the jewels (represented by female dancers in richly coloured costumes). 

Over and above the sheer quality of the performances and the production itself, a true pleasure in watching this presentation of The Sleeping Beauty is the palpable joy of the dancers at being on stage and telling this story. With their rapt engagement and beaming presence, the dancers of The Stuttgart Ballet readily convey their love of their art and their genuine support for each other. 

Accompanying performances of The Sleeping Beauty in suitably lush style, Orchestra Victoria is conducted by The Stuttgart Ballet musical director Wolfgang Heinz. The richly melodious score of Tchaikovsky is a pleasure to hear, much as the musicians did not give an entirely cohesive performance on opening night. 

Lighting by Dieter Billino achieves a rich glow in the woodlands surrounding the castle. Rose’s unit set is tweaked for each act, with lighting integral to the differing looks achieved. Rose’s costumes are exquisite, perfect for dance and making gorgeous use of various colour palettes across the seasons portrayed. 

Capricious and captivating from the moment she alights on stage, Elisa Badenes is entirely convincing as the sixteen year old princess. Stunning the audience with her rapid precision, Badenes delivers the ideal blend of technical prowess and delicate vulnerability. 

As dashing Prince Désiré, Henrik Erikson is a charming and supportive partner for Badenes. Erikson’s pillowy landings and precise pirouettes are impressive highlights of his performance. 

Jason Reilly plays the villainous Carabosse with delectable relish, working the cape and hair with delicious verve and dancing with unbridled physicality. 

Abigail Willson-Heisel delights as the Lilac Fairy, dancing with sweet delicacy yet also underpinning the role with clear authoritarian presence. 

The four Princes who court Aurora perfectly illustrate why Haydée expanded their choreography. Martino Semenzato, Christopher Kunzelmann, Fabio Adorisio, and Daniel Sillingardi bring individuality and innate talent to their roles, and are each handsome hunks to boot!

Similarly the set of Fairies are lovely as a group and then really shine in their characterful solos. Dancing these roles on opening night were Mizuki Amemiya, Aoi Sawano, Veronika Verterich, Irene Yang, and Ruth Schultz. 

Dorian Plasse and Irene Yang give solid performances as Blue Bird and Blue Bird Princess and yet their work does not quite stand out as much as these roles often do given the very high level talents of the full company. 

Unfortunately, the dancer playing Ali Baba is not credited in the cast list. This young man really wowed the opening night audience with his dazzling athleticism and glossy showmanship. 

Sure to wow and delight ballet lovers of all generations, attendance at The Sleeping Beauty by The Stuttgart Ballet is very highly recommended. 

The Sleeping Beauty plays at Regent Theatre, Melbourne until 18 October 2026, For tickets, click here.

The Sleeping Beauty casting can be read online.

Photos: The Stuttgart Ballet