Sleeping Beauty, Let's All Dance, Sadler's Wells

Sleeping Beauty is one of the staples of the classical ballet repertoire the world over. Set to a gorgeous Tchaikovsky score, the tale of the beautiful princess cursed to sleep for 100 years, who can only be awakened by true love, appeals to both children and adults alike, but at a full three hours' length can prove a little too much for very young children.

This is where Let's All Dance company steps in. Set up in 2010 by artistic director Orit Sutton, it's been producing shows for family audiences for a number of years. Sleeping Beauty, coming to Sadler's Wells's smaller stage, the Lilian Baylis Studio, follows in the footsteps (or should that be dance steps?) of Alice in Wonderland, The Ugly Duckling and The Nutcracker, to mention but a few of the company's previous works for children.

Reduced to a manageable 50 minutes and aimed at two- to 13-year-olds, this Sleeping Beauty keeps Tchaikovsky's score to tell the story of a good fairy who turns evil by jealousy and casts a bad spell on the young Princess Aurora. The bewitched Princess will be restored to life by an act of pure love, which simultaneously will bring peace and harmony to the whole kingdom.

Crystal clear storytelling, detailed characterisation and sumptuous costumes make for a great visual spectacle; and Let's All Dance's professional dancers bring the tale to life with artistry and commitment.

It's a great introduction to classical ballet; and to add to the memories the young spectators will take home, after each performance there will be a photo opportunity for the children with the dancers on stage.