Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in Los Angeles — 2026 Family Guide!
If your child loves princess stories but may not be ready for a full-length classical ballet, Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show could be a lovely middle ground. The touring production brings six local dancers to the stage in illuminated costumes, turning familiar ballet movement into a colorful, one-hour retelling that feels theatrical without becoming an all-night commitment.
The Los Angeles edition is currently scheduled at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica, with 2026 performances listed for Sunday, October 4, and Sunday, December 20. The ticket selector also lists Saturday, January 16, and Saturday, February 13, 2027. The available session times shown are 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., although families should always confirm the exact time attached to their chosen date before paying.
This guide covers the current dates, ticket prices, age rule, seating system, parking, accessibility, and the little practical details that can make or break an outing with kids. For a quick at-a-glance version, you can also find the show on the FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® events calendar.
Ballet of Lights Los Angeles: Quick Family Guide
Address: The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
2026 dates currently listed: Sunday, October 4, and Sunday, December 20
Additional dates currently listed: Saturday, January 16, and Saturday, February 13, 2027
Times currently shown: 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Select a date first and confirm its available session time in the ticket selector.
Run time: Approximately 60 minutes, with no intermission
Age requirement: Ages 5 and older. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Arrival: Doors open 30 minutes before the performance, and the organizer warns that late entry is not permitted.
Tickets: Prices vary by seating zone and session. When checked on September 27, 2026, standard listed prices ranged from $43.50 to $72, plus booking fees. Some zones were already sold out for the selected session.
Accessibility: The venue is ADA accessible, and BroadStage offers wheelchair locations and additional accessibility services.
What Is Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty?
This is not a traditional, full-length production of Sleeping Beauty with a large corps de ballet, elaborate scenery, and several acts. It is a compact reimagining created by María Farelo and Cristian Pérez of Luma Artistas S.L. Six dancers tell the fairy tale through classical dance, choreography, music, and glow-in-the-dark costumes.
The lighting is not just a background effect. The dancers’ illuminated costumes trace movement across the darkened stage, so spins, lifts, and turns become part dance and part light show. For children who respond strongly to visual storytelling, that glowing movement may make it easier to follow the mood and action even when no one is speaking.
The official Ballet of Lights website describes the series as a fresh visual approach to familiar stories. Sleeping Beauty remains recognizable—the princess, the curse, the enchanted sleep, and the magical awakening—but the story is streamlined for a one-hour live show.
That format is one of the biggest reasons this production may work for families. An hour is long enough to feel like a special theater outing, yet short enough for many elementary-age kids to stay engaged. There is no intermission, so families should handle restroom trips before taking their seats.
Is Ballet of Lights Good for Kids?
For the right child, yes. The official minimum age is 5, and that rule is important: this is not an event for toddlers or preschoolers who fall below the stated age requirement. Children under 16 must attend with an adult.
Kids who enjoy dance, princess stories, costumes, music, and dramatic lighting are the clearest audience. It can also be an approachable first ballet because the story is familiar and the visual effects give children something concrete to watch. A child does not need to understand ballet vocabulary to appreciate glowing costumes moving across a dark stage.
Parents should still consider temperament. The theater will become dark, the music can feel dramatic, and audience members are expected to remain seated and quiet during the performance. A child who is frightened by darkness or who has difficulty sitting through a movie-length activity may need extra preparation.
Before you go, explain that the show uses movement instead of dialogue to tell much of the story. Let kids know that Sleeping Beauty includes a curse and an enchanted sleep, but the tale ends happily. That simple preview can prevent confusion without spoiling the fun.
Current 2026 Dates and Showtimes
The official Los Angeles ticket page currently lists two remaining 2026 dates:
Sunday, October 4, 2026
The ticket selector shows 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. session options. Availability and prices can differ between sessions, so select the exact time before choosing a zone.
Sunday, December 20, 2026
This date could make an easy holiday-season outing for families who want something festive without committing to a very long production. Confirm the currently available time in the live selector before purchasing.
The same page also lists January 16 and February 13, 2027. Since schedules and inventory can change, use the live ticket page as the final authority. Do not rely on a screenshot or an older social-media post when planning your visit.
How Much Are Ballet of Lights Tickets?
Ticket prices are organized by seating zone. When checked on September 27, 2026, the selected session displayed the following prices before booking fees:
Zone F, Balcony Boxes: $43.50 plus a $3.48 booking fee; shown as sold out for the selected session.
Zone E, Balcony: $46 plus a $3.68 booking fee.
Zone D, Mezzanine Boxes: $49 plus a $3.92 booking fee.
Zone C, Rear Orchestra: $49 plus a $3.92 booking fee.
Zone B: $57 plus a $4.56 booking fee.
Zone A: $63 plus a $5.04 booking fee.
VIP: $72 plus a $5.76 booking fee; shown as sold out for the selected session.
These prices are a verified snapshot, not a promise for every date. Fever may change prices, discounts, inventory, or fees, and sold-out zones may vary by performance. Open your preferred date and time before calculating the family total.
Remember to budget for every person. BroadStage’s general family guidance says each attendee needs a ticket regardless of age, and this particular production allows only guests age 5 and older. Families should not assume that a child can sit on an adult’s lap or enter without a separate ticket.
How Seating Works
Seats are divided into zones, but the event page says seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within the purchased zone. That makes arrival time more important than it might be at a fully reserved-seat performance.
Try to arrive when doors open, about 30 minutes before showtime. Early arrival gives your family time to use the restroom, settle coats and bags, and find seats together without feeling rushed. It also reduces the chance that a child’s first impression of live theater is a stressful dash through the lobby.
If you are attending with another family, buy the same seating zone in one transaction when possible, arrive together, and check the current seating instructions in your confirmation. The organizer’s policy information may be updated, so the ticket confirmation should take priority over general advice.
The organizer also says late entry is not permitted. Build in extra time for Sunday traffic, parking, and walking from the lot. A slightly early arrival is much better than missing a 60-minute show because the doors have closed.
Getting to The Broad Stage
The performance takes place at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, part of the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. Use the physical venue address—1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401—rather than BroadStage’s separate mailing address.
BroadStage’s official plan-your-visit information is the best resource to check before leaving home. The venue is in a busy part of Santa Monica, so families coming from the Valley, Downtown Los Angeles, the South Bay, or the eastern side of the county should allow more time than a navigation app’s perfect-traffic estimate.
Public transportation is an option. BroadStage notes that the Metro E Line’s 17th Street/SMC station is within walking distance. Whether that works for your family depends on your starting point, children’s ages, and comfort with the walk, but it can remove the uncertainty of finding a space close to showtime.
Parking at BroadStage
BroadStage’s official ticket and parking information says free parking is available in the lot directly in front of the theater, but capacity is limited. Metered and street parking are also available nearby, subject to posted restrictions.
The practical parent takeaway is simple: do not plan to pull into the closest lot five minutes before curtain. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes early gives you a better chance at the free lot and still leaves time to walk from a legal street space if needed.
Photograph the sign nearest your car if you use street parking, especially if the restriction is complicated. Add a reminder on your phone if the meter or time limit could expire near the end of the show. Because the performance lasts about an hour and doors open 30 minutes early, calculate parking time from arrival—not just from curtain.
Accessibility and Sensory Considerations
The venue is wheelchair accessible. BroadStage’s accessibility guide says all of its venues have wheelchair access, designated wheelchair locations can be chosen when ordering tickets, and assisted-listening devices are available in the Main Stage. Large-print materials are also available for performances.
BroadStage recommends contacting Patron Services at least two weeks in advance when possible to arrange accommodations. Families who need a wheelchair location, hearing support, or another accommodation should not wait until the day of the performance if the need can be anticipated.
This is a visually bright show presented in a dark theater. The glowing costumes are the main attraction, which means there may be strong contrast, changing light, and dramatic music. The event is not advertised as a sensory-friendly performance. If your child is sensitive to light, darkness, sound, or sitting still, contact the organizer before buying and ask specific questions about effects and exit options.
Parent Tips for a Smoother Visit
1. Choose the earlier show for younger children
A 4:00 p.m. performance may fit better with dinner and bedtime than a 6:00 p.m. show, especially when you add parking and the drive home. Older kids may enjoy the evening atmosphere, but an earlier session usually gives families more flexibility.
2. Explain the no-dialogue storytelling
Tell children that dancers use faces, arms, posture, and movement to show feelings and events. Invite them to watch for how the lights change with the story. Giving kids a “job” can make a nonverbal performance feel more interactive.
3. Use the restroom before seating
The show has no intermission, and the organizer says audience members should remain seated except in an emergency. Take care of bathroom needs before the house opens or immediately after arriving.
4. Bring a quiet layer
Theater temperatures can feel cool, especially when kids are sitting still. A sweater or soft jacket is helpful. Avoid noisy packaging, light-up shoes, or accessories that could distract dancers and nearby guests.
5. Feed kids before the performance
A one-hour show is manageable, but hunger can turn a short outing into a long one. Plan a snack or meal before entering. Check the venue’s current food and drink policy rather than assuming outside snacks can go into the theater.
6. Keep phones silent and away
The Ballet of Lights FAQ says phones should remain silent during the performance. Photos and video are limited to the final piece and must be taken without flash. Model good theater manners and let children know in advance that this is a watch-with-your-eyes experience.
7. Save tickets before you leave home
Fever tickets are generally accessed through the app or confirmation email. Load the QR codes before reaching the venue, turn up screen brightness at check-in, and make sure the phone with the tickets has enough battery.
8. Confirm the final details the day before
Recheck the date, time, seating zone, arrival instructions, and ticket-transfer policies. Event information can change, and your confirmation email is the most useful last-minute source.
What Kids May Learn From the Experience
A family theater outing can be more than entertainment. Children see how music, costume design, lighting, and movement work together to tell a story. They also practice audience skills: arriving on time, sitting through a live performance, responding at appropriate moments, and respecting the artists.
After the show, ask open-ended questions. Which color made a movement look most magical? How could they tell when a character was worried or happy? Did the glowing costumes change how the dance felt? There are no wrong answers, and the conversation can help children notice artistic choices they might otherwise forget.
Ballet of Lights can also be a gentle introduction to classical dance. If a child becomes curious, watch a traditional Sleeping Beauty ballet excerpt afterward and compare it with the illuminated version. The goal is not to quiz them; it is to build a bridge from one memorable experience to a broader interest in dance and live performance.
Make It a Santa Monica Family Day
Because the show is only about an hour, families can pair it with another simple Santa Monica activity without overpacking the day. A beach walk, a playground stop, or an early meal can turn the performance into a fuller outing.
Keep the schedule realistic. An afternoon at the beach followed by sand cleanup, traffic, dinner, parking, and theater seating may be too much for a 5-year-old. One small pre-show activity and one meal is often plenty.
If you choose the December 20 performance, remember that holiday traffic and crowded restaurants can add time. Make reservations when appropriate, keep a backup casual meal option, and leave enough breathing room that the show still feels special instead of becoming the final deadline in an exhausting itinerary.
Who Should Go—and Who Might Want to Wait?
This show is a strong match for families with children age 5 and older who enjoy princess stories, colorful visual effects, music, or dance. It may also appeal to grandparents looking for a manageable intergenerational outing, because the familiar fairy tale and one-hour duration do not require extensive ballet knowledge.
Consider waiting if your child is under 5, becomes very uncomfortable in dark theaters, cannot remain seated for about an hour, or is likely to need frequent exits. The official age minimum is not a suggestion, and late entry is not allowed.
Parents hoping for a full traditional ballet should also adjust expectations. The production is intentionally concise and technology-forward. Think of it as an illuminated story ballet, not a substitute for a multi-act company production with an orchestra and large cast.
Is the Higher-Priced Zone Worth It?
There is no single correct answer. The illuminated costumes are designed to be seen across the theater, so a family does not necessarily need VIP or Zone A seats to understand the visual concept. A mid-priced section may offer the best balance for parents buying several tickets.
Families with a child who benefits from seeing facial expression and detailed footwork may value a closer zone. Families primarily excited by the overall shapes and glowing patterns may be satisfied farther back, where the full-stage composition can be easier to take in.
Before buying, compare the total after fees, not just the base price. For example, four Zone C tickets at $49 each plus a $3.92 booking fee apiece come to $211.68, not the $196 the headline price suggests. Decide your budget first, then choose the best available zone within it.
Ticket Policies Parents Should Know
Tickets must be purchased online in advance; the official Ballet of Lights FAQ says they are not sold at the venue. Date or time changes may be possible up to 48 hours before the experience, subject to availability, but refunds are generally not allowed. Review the terms shown during checkout because policies can change.
Ticket transfer to another Fever account is available at no extra charge. That can be useful if one adult in a family group is arriving separately, but it is usually simpler to keep the group together and enter from one phone when everyone arrives at the same time.
Seats should be purchased together if you want the family seated together. Even within a zone, arriving early matters. If your child needs an accessible position or a particular accommodation, contact the venue before buying or immediately afterward so the arrangement can be confirmed.
The Takeaway
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty offers Los Angeles families a visually inventive, one-hour introduction to ballet at an intimate Santa Monica venue. The glowing costumes and familiar fairy tale give children an easy entry point, while the age-5 minimum and no-late-entry policy help set clear expectations.
The remaining 2026 dates currently listed are October 4 and December 20, with 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. options shown in the ticket selector. Tickets were listed from $43.50 to $72 plus fees when checked on September 27, 2026, though availability and pricing vary.
The best family strategy is to choose a session that fits your child’s routine, buy seats together, arrive 30 minutes early, and prepare kids for a dark theater and movement-based story. With those details handled, the show can feel like exactly what it promises: a familiar story seen in a new light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages can attend Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in Los Angeles?
Guests must be at least 5 years old. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Every attendee should have a ticket.
How long is Ballet of Lights?
The performance lasts approximately 60 minutes and has no intermission. Plan restroom and snack breaks before entering the theater.
Where is the Los Angeles performance?
The show is at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Use the physical venue address rather than BroadStage’s mailing address.
Are Ballet of Lights seats assigned?
Tickets are sold by zone, and the event page says seating within each zone is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive about 30 minutes early so your family has the best chance of sitting together.
Can families take photos during the show?
The official FAQ says photos and video are allowed only during the final piece and without flash. Keep phones silent and put away during the rest of the performance.
Event details and prices were verified on September 27, 2026, and may change. Always confirm the final date, time, price, fees, and policies on the official ticket page before purchasing.
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