The Sleeping Beauty: Re-awakening a classic ballet (The Royal Ballet)

An iconic work, The Sleeping Beauty was the first ballet to be performed at Covent Garden following World War II. Find out more at www.roh.org.uk
Hear from Monica Mason, Steven McRae, Sarah Lamb and other members of the cast and creative team about the task of restaging a classic.
The Sleeping Beauty holds a special place in The Royal Ballet's repertory. It was the ballet with which the Company reopened the Royal Opera House in 1946 after World War II, announcing its move from Sadler's Wells to Covent Garden. Margot Fonteyn danced the role of the beautiful princess Aurora in the first performance, with Robert Helpmann as Prince Florimund. Sixty years later, in 2006, the original 1946 staging was revived, returning Oliver Messel's wonderful designs and glittering costumes to the stage once again.
Marius Petipa's classic 19th-century choreography is combined with newly created sections by Frederick Ashton, Anthony Dowell and Christopher Wheeldon. The ballet contains many memorable moments, from the iconic Rose Adagio, when Aurora meets her four royal suitors, to the vigorous hunting dances and the famous waltz for Aurora and her Prince. Throughout, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky's score conveys passion and intensity.

[@RoyalBalletAndOpera]

Join Royal Opera House Stream with your first month for just £1 to watch full length productions: www.roh.org.uk/StreamDF1 With our incredible ballets and operas, behind-the-scenes, Insights and exclusive series, Stream subscribers can watch the world’s greatest performers, emerging stars, leading choreographers and trailblazing creative teams from the comfort of their own home.

[@KendraJackson7]

I love how The Royal Ballet takes the time to explain the art, history, technique, & production behind each stoyr. I learn so much! (: Thanks guys.

[@TorontoIam]

Me too. well said.

[@feliciacoffey6832]

Agree! These explanations enrich the experience of watching the work in a profound way. Educating the public about what ballet involves will make the potential audience ever greater.

[@emitch9213]

So wonderful to hear and listen to Monica Mason in her history of the years she had with the Royal. My, she was a tower of mighty power and strength in her character roles...I will never forget her role in Romeo and Juliet...her presence on stage certainly could not be missed...pleasure to see her give back as is so traditional with the ballet world...thank you

[@saradiaz6179]

I saw the live stream last night and it was magnificent. None like the British to produce such a royal ballet.

[@BethGoth15]

My first ever ballet; an absolutely beautiful performance! I would also love to have a poster of Steven McRae for my bedroom wall. Am I right, ladies? ;)

[@lauragriffioen8632]

amen honey :)

[@Sochilinda]

+BethGoth15 yes!!! marvelous man

[@feliciacoffey6832]

He is romantic, sweet and a real dish!

[@patrickgallagher3513]

It's sad that this video doesn't mention the Lilac Fairy of the 1946 production, Dame Beryl Grey. Still with us, a distinguished dancer and a lovely lady.

[@chocolatesouljah]

I love that Carabosse is now played by a beautiful woman as opposed to the old days when it was a man in fright make up. I love her energy at age round 5:40.

[@nevroth]

My favorite Tchaikovsky ballet :)

[@collectorofcats294]

nevroth I love the kitty in your profile picture!!!

[@BeaH751]

They should perform Sleeping Beauty again once the Royal Opera House is able to reopen after the COVID restrictions 🩰

[@TorontoIam]

Fascinating...so enjoyed, thank you!

[@Hoshiya666]

very honestly, my fav version :)

[@1AGRIPPINAONE]

OH hope to be able to watch this next time I visit London !

[@gaetanasciuto5837]

superb performance artistic excellence great emotions fantastic dancers

[@lilly6250]

Very nice. I love ballet.

[@rlatimer10]

Oh Monica Mason what a treasure!

[@s4767s]

I live in London!!!

[@iancumil8484]

Waiting for The Sleeping Beauty after the reawakening of post COVID-19

[@Gclouds1]

I'm a lilac fariylette in my ballet show

[@herrbrucvald6376]

delightful!...

[@Cali_Girl1]

❤

[@katerinaslama312]

C'est Féerique !

[@Illhabhicanaf1231]

may i please copy the costumes an backdrop please

[@grahambarnes4374]

if there trying to trying to copy it sorry but no

[@gaetanasciuto5837]

superb performance artistic excellence great emotions fantastic dancers

[@mariaantoniettaromeo6843]

2'356*(9