The Nutcracker Suite always comes to mind when one thinks of taking a child to the ballet – it’s magical, it’s holiday-related, and for some families, attendance can even become a tradition. While the beauty of the Nutcracker can’t be denied, there are other ballets, performed year-round, that are equally as suitable for children, meaning you don’t have to wait for December to roll around to introduce your child to – or reacquaint them with – the beautiful world of the ballet and the classical music that accompanies it. Certainly with a tween or teen, the choices are even more plentiful, and the vibrant world of ballet combines dance, music and storytelling in often breathtaking performances that this age group can appreciate. Although the ballet season is coming to a close, here are some final performances worldwide (stay tuned for more on the 2007-2008 season in the months to come):

American Ballet Theatre, New York
This noteworthy dance company is hosting a special one-hour performance on Saturday June 9 to introduce young children to the world of ballet. Recommended for children from 4 to 12, the performance includes narration and highlights from ABT’s repertoire. Tickets are $25 and are available through the box office at 212.362.6000. In addition, ABT is hosting two pre-performance workshops, on Friday at 4:30 p.m and Saturday at 9:00 a.m., that are available to those who purchase tickets to the one-hour performance. This workshop is broken down by age group and teaches a warm-up and a short piece of choreography for fun. Tickets are $20 for children and $25 for adults.

The Royal Ballet, London
Until June 1, the Royal Ballet, housed at the famed Royal Opera House, will be performing Swan Lake, the tragic romance set to the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Due to the storyline and tragic ending, best for 10 and up.

The National Ballet of Canada, Toronto
George Balanchine specifically choreographed Don Quixote for his muse Suzanne Farrell. The piece was rarely performed and he retired it in 1978. Last year it was restaged by the noted ballerina for her own dance company and the work was seen by the public for the first time in almost 30 years. Now, from June 15 to 24, the National Ballet of Canada will be performing this captivating and rarely-seen dance by one of the legends of ballet. Appropriate for 12 and up.

The Royal Ballet of Flanders, Belgium

Sleeping Beauty as performed by the Royal Ballet of Flanders

Sleeping Beauty will be performed by this ballet company at the Ghent Opera House on May 16, 17 and 18, and at Stadsschouwburg Antwerp on June 27, 28 and July 1. Since younger children are most likely familiar with this story, this performance can be suitable for children 5 and up (although it’s always advisable to check with the box office).

The Hamburg Ballet, Germany
There are several works left on this company’s calendar, all familiar to children and suitable for varying ages. Cinderella will be performed on May 12 and July 4. The Little Mermaid (the decidedly darker version than Disney’s and therefore not suitable for children under 12) will be performed on July 1, 3 and 13. You can also catch their staging of Sleeping Beauty on May 17, 18, 23 and 30; June 14; and July 7.

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