The Stuttgart Ballet: The Sleeping Ballet review [Melbourne 2026]

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…