San Francisco Ballet is opening its stage to its tiniest fans this fall with Tiny Dances, a brand-new family series created especially for children ages 2 to 8. The inaugural production is a specially adapted version of Swan Lake, debuting November 7–8, 2026 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre — and it promises a day of discovery, not just a performance.
Developed by Associate Artistic Director Antonio Castilla, this Swan Lake reimagines the beloved classic for young audiences: an abbreviated 60-minute run, family-friendly storytelling, and an on-stage narrator guiding little ones through the adventure. Odette gets a fresh, uplifting spin as a heroine in charge of her own story. The production is performed by San Francisco Ballet School’s pre-professional Trainees and Level 8 students — the next generation of dance stars — to recorded selections of Tchaikovsky’s score.
Every performance features engaging pre-show lobby activities, participatory dance experiences, quiet spaces for little ones who need a break, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. One performance at each venue will be Sensory Friendly, designed with modified lighting and sound, a relaxed house environment, an ASL interpreter, and audio descriptions for neurodivergent audiences and their families.
Performances run Saturday, November 7 at 11am and 3pm (the 3pm show is Sensory Friendly) and Sunday, November 8 at 11am and 3pm. Tickets begin at just $25. After its San Francisco debut, Tiny Dances will tour the Bay Area in 2027, with engagements in Walnut Creek in late May and Mountain View in early June.
Photo: San Francisco Ballet
