The only thing I might add is please don’t wear a hat or high hair style. You might not think it makes that much of a difference, but a couple inches really can make a huge difference in visibility.
aagh, i hate it when someone tall is sitting in front of me and the theatre doesn't have offset rows. they can't help it but it's hard if the person behind them is shorter.
@@oxoelfoxoas the tall person, I’m incredibly aware of this but there’s absolutely nothing I can do because my knees are mashed into the back of the seat in front of me, which means I’m forced to sit up pin straight, so it’s uncomfortable for everyone. I wish the seats were offset with bigger space so I could move around a bit and scooch down.
@@rosyface_ Oh, I understand. I don’t begrudge someone their height; that’s just the way they are. But it is nice to not have it exacerbated in any way. In some ways I get more frustrated by shorter people wearing the hats and high hairstyles. Like, this is not a natural problem for you; why would you create it??
I get so annoyed with how many people have absolutely no ballet, theater etiquette! From dressing like they're going to run errands, the loud noises they make, the constant clapping after literally anything, and even shouting as if they're at a football game 🤮 I have yet to find a sophisticated crowd in my city, probably won't find unless I travel to another country where people have CLASS and SOPHISTICATION.
A few years ago my mom won tickets to our local Nutcracker performance. It was so exciting. It was a small Ukrainian company in this tiny little theater. These people were not your average ballet goers. Everything was going great. Then we got to the variation dances. The Spanish dance went great but then the entire room changed during the Arabian dance. As you probably know, the Arabian dance has very slow music so there needs to be some very interesting choreography/tricks/poses. This Arabian Dancer pair BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN. No one in that audience cared about anyone else after that. The ballerina as Clara did so many fouettés, not a peep. The Arabian dancers come out for their curtain call, standing ovation. It was the most insane thing I've ever seen.
Box seats (if affordable) are also a great option for really small children. You can take a small quiet toy and blanket in there and it gives them a little more room to move around if needed, plus if you have to step out you won't really be disturbing anyone around you.
@@balletreign I feel like the overlap between the Ballet Reign production team and audience and that of Twoset’s is almost one to one, and I’m so loving it 😂 it’s actually a dream come true for me
Ballet audience etiquette certainly includes being on time and not disturbing anyone during the performance by being late. For my part, I'm ready 23 hours before the premiere. Maybe I should eat some nuts by now, with a nutcracker...😉😊🌹🌹🌹
I think that coughing during a ballet (specially on videos on YT because it stays forever) are the worse disturbances. If someone is really sick, I can understand, it happened to a person next to me on the first front row at Paris Opera, impossible for him to stop or to exit, I felt bad for him. The inexcusable for me are people just coughing for "comfort throat clearing". It is very annoying and rude .....and can be avoided easily, with a little sip of water or a little will power ! for gentlemen (accompanying their wives) : loud snoring is not very classy also....
On the topic of clapping, speaking as a dancer, I think it’s generally better to clap AFTER we’ve finished our trick instead of WHILE we are doing it because the latter can be a bit distracting! Last month at my studio’s first showing of Sleeping Beauty me and the other girls were doing the coda part of the lilac fairy corps in prologue with the ballottes (probably spelled wrong) and the audience started clapping while we were doing the first round. For those of you who don’t know, the ballotte section is repeated twice, but it’s admittedly kind of hard for the audience to see that. It was really uplifting to see that the audience liked that part, but the clapping was also really distracting and messed up our timing on the second round. 😅
I went to my first ballet ever…Osipova in Don Quixote at the Royal Opera House!! I had the best standing space so invited all the people around me to come and stand in my space. Ended up with two Russians, an Italian ballerina and three guys all of us crowded into my space. It was a really great experience and I made good friends. And saw Osipova!!!
Oh you brought back a memory - my mother took me to see a ballet on my 9th birthday. I was enamored with ballet and had been in classes maybe about 6 months by then. She picked a matinee for us to attend, and as a special treat, she got front row seats. Well, you can guess, I couldn't really see what I wanted to see - pointe shoes on the stage! At intermission my mom asked how I was enjoying it, and I said I loved it, but I couldn't see the dancer's feet. Fortunately, it was a matinee and not very crowded, so we changed seats to the "sweet spot" and I was so happy. You know how it is, sometimes it's all about the feet. I want to remind people that kids are half your size, their perspective on the stage will be even lower than yours! My mom was so sweet to give the gift of my first ballet, and I've never forgotten that day, even though it's been over 50 years.
I'm a ballet dancer myself and I find myself looking at dancers feet no matter if they are in pointe shoes or not. I'm not sure if it's a dancer thing but lots of dancers find themselves doing that lol.
@@mermaidopulence8539 Oh yes, I love seeing their feet even without pointe shoes. I love dancers who have very expressive and flexible feet, and sometimes slippers will really highlight that. When I was a kid, I think it was a little more about those pink satin shoes though
Regarding chainsaws at the ballet, the proper etiquette is to rev it during the most quiet, tranquil, heart-touching moments. During the harp solo preceding the pas de deux is a good time. Check with the conductor to see if u should tune ur chainsaw to A440 or A441 and then adjust accordingly. Then rev it nonstop. The louder the better. Hope this helps 👍🏻
Excellent overview of etiquette. As a New Yorker who has attended many ballets at the Koch (State) Theater and the Met Opera I can say that dress codes are lax. I've seen men wearing cargo shorts and sandals at the Met standing next to men wearing Tuxedos. All are allowed but I would say that for men, we should wear something longer. That was the recommendation at the ticket box. However, you are free to wear shorts and no one will give you the stink eye. My rule for attending any performance is to do to harm to others. To me this means do everything I can do not negative impact the experience FOR OTHERS. If it is during the summer, bring wet wipes and deodorants so that if needed I can freshen up in the men's room so that people near me won't smell by BO. Never eat anything inside the theaters. The only thing I will put in my mouth are cough drops and I make sure I put a fresh one in before the show and during intermission so that the unwrapping noises will not disturb those near me. I bring a hard plastic bottle of water so that it won't make noise if I need to take a sip. People buy these soft water bottles and they crinkle. I will sit back and sit still during the performance. I won't lean forward and I won't lean side to side. People behind me are looking though the gaps between me and those next to me. If I move I will be blocking their view and they have to move which will cause people behind them of move, it ripples backwards. I use binoculars if needed and I will make sure to keep my elbows down when using it. I don't need to worry about this but people with a lot of hair, I think everyone behind them would appreciate it if they style their hair down whenever they are attending a performance. Clearly, no wearing of hats. At the end, I will stand up, if warranted, but if there are people of small stature behind me, I may decide to sit. I've been in situations where the "little old ladies who love ballets" can't see anything if people in front stand up and applause. All of these things can be reduced to : Don't smell (bad or good), don't make ANY noises, and move around.
For applause I think another great opportunity is after the concertmaster solo. Because Tchaikovsky's music is just so amazing! In the NYCB version the concertmaster solo occurs when Clara falls a sleep on the sofa and her mom is running around trying to find her, and then she tucks Clara in with her scarf. And then the Drosselmeyer sneaks in and fixes the Nutcracker. (The scene before Clara wakes up and found the giant Christmas tree and rats running around). That violin solo is so beautiful and very difficult. Every time after this concertmaster solo there's huge applause. I feel like the concertmaster should really join the conductor on the stage for applauses. And signing! There is also a chance to stand in the crowd near the stage door and ask for selfie and program-signing. It's less organized but also really really fun. I have a friend who went to the stage door after Jake Roxander's debut of Puck at ABT, and his exact words are "Those girls are ABSOLUTELY CRAZY they scream like they are gonna eat him alive" 🤣
Can I add the (imo) BIG BIG NO of clapping during the fouettés following tge rythm? It's a ballet, not a baseball match or a queen concert, and I found it can be really distracting for the dancer depending on how she manages her nerves. I personally would clap only at the end of the coda, but if you really have to clap after the fouettés please donit AFTER and discreetly. I once watched a performance in which the audience cheered so loudly after the fouettés that the male protagonist couldn't hear the music for the continuation of the coda
Another reason sitting in the very front is bad is because your very close to the orchestra pit and as a violinist we can get pretty loud pretty quickly
Arrive early enough before the performance to pre-order beverages and/or snacks for intermission. Pre-ordering avoids the lines at intermission. If the line is long at intermission, you may not be able to place your order before the chimes ring to call you back to your seat for the next act.
It's beautiful music, an interesting story. You will be surprised at how it affects you, if you don't let yourself be distracted or let insensitive companions minimalize the experience.@@sharimeline3077
This is perfect 2 weeks ago I found this channel because I was trying to find an answer for this excact question, I’m finally going to my first ballet where the San Juan orchestra (orquestra sinfónica ) so not only it’s 2 bucket list checks for me but also my first date since giving birth and I’ve been non stop excited ❤
AAAHH we love this!! Congrats on ur baby and on going to see ur first ballet! We’re glad to have u here (welcome to the channel 😁) and happy this video could answer ur questions 😄😄💕✨
Ladies you forgot this faux pas: Humming the entire score along with the orchestra 😶. It's also good to bring a small pin light or small flashlight to help you find your seat. Some theatres' seat numbers are worn especially in the older theatres and opera houses. There are no stupid questions. When in doubt, ask an usher, they're usually very helpful. Also, if you have them, don't forget to bring your opera glasses. If you don't own a pair it's worth it to rent a pair before a performance, that way you will see the details no matter where you're sitting in the theatre.
We are getting ready to do our Nutcracker in less than two weeks and im so excited. For many of us dancers nothing says Christmas like The Nutcracker. Now if I may add on to what you were saying about the seating for the shows. If it's a production that I've seen many times (i.e Swan Lake, The Nutcracker) then I will sometimes choose to sit in the front rows. I mainly do that when I want to see theor technique and see how I could apply it to my dancing but also I can see the details of the costumes, their makeup and the look of their shoes. Im also glad you brought up the flash from taking pictures because one time I was doing our spring ballet and as I was going to do my steps a flash went off and distracted me but thankfully I was able to recover.
Flash is the worst! One is bad enough, but the problem is when everyone all of a sudden thinks it’s ok to shoot and then we start seeing a light show in the black of the audience. Not ideal 😅. We and the BR team wish u all the best this nutcracker season, with many successful shows! Merde 💕✨
General etiquette like this ought to be required watching for anyone attending live events. I sang in a Symphony Chorus for nearly 20 years and the deterioration of etiquette by audiences was troubling. However, what is acceptable in one country may not be acceptable in another. So always be aware of cultural differences when you view a live event while traveling. Example, those serving in the Israeli defense force are permitted to go into any life performance and watch the performance for free when in uniform. During a series of performances, we did with the Israeli Philharmonic in the 90s saw many soldiers sitting on the stairs in camo hiking boots, carrying their Uzi’s. Not something I and my fellow chorus members was used to, however they all seemed to tremendously seemed to enjoy the performances. And, it was encouraging to see so many young people enjoying classical music.
I am so happy to have found you. You are so classy, knowledgeable, and full of love. I wish we could be friends! Keep up the amazing work. Our generation needs inspiration to cultivate love for the classics.
I see no problems at all. After all I watch you every Saturday evening in my toxido anyway. My bowtie is usually red, but if the ballet has a tragical end like Swan Lake , I will use a black one. Just not to disturb the mood. There is however a version of Swan Lake which has a happy ending, and that calls for the red one. Flower Festival and Napoli demand a yellow one, but that is the exception.
Chainsaw neighbor and TwoSet shout out! This was a great video, BRAVA!! I would love to visit a ballet. These tips were helpful, especially the seating layout. ❤🎉
If you have young children, some companies and schools do a short version of The Nutcracker with interaction and a Q&A after the performance. Some little ones will enjoy that more than the full ballet!
I had to rewind that moment I recognized the Two Set clip. aaaa. Anyway, I'd love to go to more ballets in person, I've only gone to Peter Pan once, all the others have been recordings. Though one was a special collaboration with the Bolshoi where cinemas would have their Nutcracker playing during Nutcracker season. But it isn't the same
Just watched the first Nutcracker of the year yesterday. Really wish every audience gets educated before they go to a ballet(yesterday the couple sitting next to me were chatting and recording throughout the performance👎👎). For the dress code, I sometimes feel sad that I underdressed among the well-dressed people. After all, I cannot cycle to the theater in a slip dress and fancy heels in such a cold winter.🥲 And nice twoset insert :) As I said, you are the twoset of our ballet world!!! Looking forward to your 10k subscription!!!!!🥳
In 2019, I flew into Houston to watch HB do Sleeping Beauty and I LEFT MY (and my friends’) TICKETS AT HOME 😬 Fortunately, HB had a record of it and we picked up replacements at will call. Performance was *excellent*
I usually go for the very first rows 😂 just because I get to see every detail from the protagonists and even the corps although it does sacrifices the panorama a bit
Great advice. I'm weird when I go to a show: I want to sit far enough front that I can differentiate the dancers, see the principals, and kind of be at a distance where the dancers feel I am enthusiastic and supporting them. I know, when I performed, I got energy from the audience I could actually see, and I infrequently, discreetly gave them just the slightest focus. (Of course, 95% of your energy goes to your fellow performers or out into the top rows). I don't mind having a closer view of a ballet I know well; but like to get back a bit for something that is new to me. I always want to get at a distance where I can see feet, which can sometimes be front or 2nd row if the orchestra pushes the seats far enough back. I also find I always like to see how the costumes & sets are made, where the lights are coming from, the expressions of the dancers who are acting; but I know the typical audience would probably get more of the "magic" by sitting further back. Balconies are great for seeing formations, if it is that kind of ballet.
OMG, speaking of BEAUTIFUL theaters, the Ohio Theater in Columbus used to be a movie theater (back when the moviegoers were the Rockefellers) and it is seriously opulent. I am obsessed with this theater and adore going! Sometimes BalletMet will perform at the Davidson Theater across the street, which is also cool and has some seriously amazing tech features for all the fun tricks and gimmicks, but I HIGHLY recommend going to the Ohio Theater. (Cinderella is my favorite show there. I am literally in tears at the end of every act; quite literally. It's just so good!)
i just was coming to your channel to ask you girls to make this exact video. I went and saw my first ballet a few weeks ago and was so unsure of etiquette during the show ( though I did pick up fairly quick.) I'm taking my two younger sisters to see The Nutcracker next month and thought it would be nice to give them a good resource to learn the etiquette. That being said, thank you both!
What perfect timing! 😆 we hope yall enjoy yourselves at the nutcracker this season and hope this video helps yall feel more confident and classy in the theatre 😁😁
Absolutely wonderful video and a very helpful way to make the ballet less frightning for first time goers ❤❤❤ For a future video idea as someone who dreams to one day work in a ballet costume deartment I would live to hear you two talk about ballet costumes like fittings or the differens in dancing in a leotard during rehersals vs dancing in a costume during performances. Much love to you both ❤❤❤
Glad u enjoyed this one! And thanks for ur suggestion! The costuming world is sooo vast, there would be a lot to cover but we’d love to talk more about costumes ✨✨
I had my first live ballet experience in June this year. In Paris 😁 I loved it, and I’m relieved to learn that I didn’t make any egregious errors in etiquette!
Oh man having party scene playing under this video is throwing me for a loop! Its my second year playing Mrs. Stahlbam (clara's mother!) so i've been listening to nothing but that music for months xD
I just started going to play class and everyone started to to Make Friends and but when we're into the stage for a concert I feel like I was going to explode into thousands of pieces
I’m really picky about seats, as close to the front as possible on the circle is my chosen seating. A good view looking down on the stage but not so high up that I feel like I’m overhead in the balcony.
So glad u found it interesting! As dancers we really encourage other dancers to see ballet from the audience pov, it’s a whole different perspective! 👍🏻👍🏻. Thanks for watching our channel ☺️☺️💕
Thank you SO much ladies! I'll be going to my first Ballet this Sunday for a performance of The Nutcracker. You ladies were so helpful! Definitely sharing this video.
Nutcracker is one ballet where I don't mind if there are noises and distractions because I know we're here for the kids. I do mind when adults talk to each other. I don't mind if they need to take care of their kids but talking to each other is a big no no for me. I do see couples on dates and it is usually the men who try to impress their dates by talking during the performances. That's a swipe left for me.
Hi! I love your videos and I absolutely love ballets🤞I got to see my first ballet about year and a half ago, it was Swan Lake and it changed me🥹 I truly fell in love with ballet, even tho I have always been quite familiar with it and interested in it. Me and my mom loved the ballet so much that at the very end when all the dansers and the orchestra bowed, me and my mom, two fan girls in front row gave a standing ovation cause we were so blown away by the performance. Although, afterwards I was afraid that the standing avation would be too much or it would be inapropriate or smth cause funny enough I did not check the ballet etiquette before the ballet🤣 I was so glad to hear that the standing ovation is just fine and that the dansers love it😊😊 Also I think me and my mom were possibly the only ones to stand up but we didn’t care, we just wanted the whole crew to know how amazing and talented they were😌🤭🫶 All I know is that I think that every ballet deserves a standing ovation, such a beautiful form of art🙌
Was at a show with a flower throw this weekend. Most of them only reached the orchestra pit. The poor musicians were getting rained on and hit from all directions. Occasionally a flower would then get tossed from the pit up onto the stage. If you are planning to participate in a flower throw, practice your baseball arm first!
May I add one small suggestion for your list? Please be kind to those of us with allergies and leave your fragrance for another day. That would be awesome.
Thank you, as a 37 year old man with zero knowledge of ballet, I've agreed to take my young daughter to her first show and had no clue on any of this. 😅
I'm not trying to be sassy here, but isn't a standing ovation kind of de rigueur nowadays? For everything? (or so it has seemed to me, for some years now)
It’s def not expected of the audience to start after the performance; sometimes they don’t or it’s only a few who do. But ur right in the fact that it is common 👍🏻👍🏻
If you have kids that like to talk a lot, please please please teach them as best as possible to be quiet through the whole show. One show I went to years ago, there was this really talkative kid sitting in the row behind me, and the parents did nothing to try and quiet the kid (the kid ended up talking through pretty much the whole show). It very much distracted me from the ballet, and just made me very annoyed.
Know that Nutcracker season is over, but I just found out that Swan Lake will be performed nearby in 2024. Would you recommend that for a first-timer to the ballet? Never seen a full length ballet, but definitely impressed when I've seen short demonstrations. (I've seen many musicals before though, if that helps for reference)
YES Swan Lake is a PERFECT first ballet! The story is beautiful and the music is *exquisite*. (Def recommend watching our full Swan Lake Analysis if u need a rundown on the story! ua-cam.com/video/aeXiLuMJLBM/v-deo.htmlsi=Val5Qx18xOlGv2At 🦢)
@@balletreign Thank you! The video was very helpful! (and *exquisite*) Already love theatre in general, but a little concerned I may not have the appreciation for a full length ballet. Though, guess I won't know unless i see one... so here goes!
Please do not bring in food (popcorn, candy etc.) into the auditorium and eat it during the performance. However, in my book, clapping towards the end of a series of particularly impressive tricks creates a sense of celebration and excitement. Watching brilliant fouettes in complete reverential silence till the very end is not my cup of tea. It's just weird: ballet is entertainment not a sermon.
The use of phones or other filming tools is not only disrespectful and distracting for the performers btw, but also your fellow audience members. I once went to a musical performance and the person in front of me kept taking their phone out to record their favourite scenes. Like, excuse me, I didn't buy a ticket to a live performance to watch it through your phone screen.
The only thing I might add is please don’t wear a hat or high hair style. You might not think it makes that much of a difference, but a couple inches really can make a huge difference in visibility.
THIS IS A GOOD ONE 🙌🏻🙌🏻
aagh, i hate it when someone tall is sitting in front of me and the theatre doesn't have offset rows. they can't help it but it's hard if the person behind them is shorter.
@@oxoelfoxoas the tall person, I’m incredibly aware of this but there’s absolutely nothing I can do because my knees are mashed into the back of the seat in front of me, which means I’m forced to sit up pin straight, so it’s uncomfortable for everyone. I wish the seats were offset with bigger space so I could move around a bit and scooch down.
@@rosyface_ Oh, I understand. I don’t begrudge someone their height; that’s just the way they are. But it is nice to not have it exacerbated in any way. In some ways I get more frustrated by shorter people wearing the hats and high hairstyles. Like, this is not a natural problem for you; why would you create it??
@@rosyface_ Same here!
I get so annoyed with how many people have absolutely no ballet, theater etiquette! From dressing like they're going to run errands, the loud noises they make, the constant clapping after literally anything, and even shouting as if they're at a football game 🤮 I have yet to find a sophisticated crowd in my city, probably won't find unless I travel to another country where people have CLASS and SOPHISTICATION.
Loved that you chose Two Set Violins as your popstars. Well done Ladies
Hahaha glad u liked that 😂😂
A few years ago my mom won tickets to our local Nutcracker performance. It was so exciting. It was a small Ukrainian company in this tiny little theater. These people were not your average ballet goers. Everything was going great. Then we got to the variation dances. The Spanish dance went great but then the entire room changed during the Arabian dance. As you probably know, the Arabian dance has very slow music so there needs to be some very interesting choreography/tricks/poses. This Arabian Dancer pair BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN. No one in that audience cared about anyone else after that. The ballerina as Clara did so many fouettés, not a peep. The Arabian dancers come out for their curtain call, standing ovation. It was the most insane thing I've ever seen.
Thanks for sharing! We actually see that a lot, funny enough, bc the Arabian dance is often quite the showstopper piece lol 😂
Box seats (if affordable) are also a great option for really small children. You can take a small quiet toy and blanket in there and it gives them a little more room to move around if needed, plus if you have to step out you won't really be disturbing anyone around you.
Fabulous tips! Thanks for sharing! 😄😄👍🏻👍🏻
I love how exactly as you were talking about being singled out in a concert and I was thinking about twoset doing that, you showed a clip of them 😂
Hahaha! Editor is clearly a two setter 🤭🤭
@@balletreign I feel like the overlap between the Ballet Reign production team and audience and that of Twoset’s is almost one to one, and I’m so loving it 😂 it’s actually a dream come true for me
Ballet audience etiquette certainly includes being on time and not disturbing anyone during the performance by being late. For my part, I'm ready 23 hours before the premiere. Maybe I should eat some nuts by now, with a nutcracker...😉😊🌹🌹🌹
I was let to believe that the nutcracker would be provided. We will see.
Y’all are hilarious 🤣🤣
I think that coughing during a ballet (specially on videos on YT because it stays forever) are the worse disturbances. If someone is really sick, I can understand, it happened to a person next to me on the first front row at Paris Opera, impossible for him to stop or to exit, I felt bad for him. The inexcusable for me are people just coughing for "comfort throat clearing". It is very annoying and rude .....and can be avoided easily, with a little sip of water or a little will power ! for gentlemen (accompanying their wives) : loud snoring is not very classy also....
On the topic of clapping, speaking as a dancer, I think it’s generally better to clap AFTER we’ve finished our trick instead of WHILE we are doing it because the latter can be a bit distracting! Last month at my studio’s first showing of Sleeping Beauty me and the other girls were doing the coda part of the lilac fairy corps in prologue with the ballottes (probably spelled wrong) and the audience started clapping while we were doing the first round. For those of you who don’t know, the ballotte section is repeated twice, but it’s admittedly kind of hard for the audience to see that. It was really uplifting to see that the audience liked that part, but the clapping was also really distracting and messed up our timing on the second round. 😅
Clapping can def be distracting if poorly timed 😅😅
I've seen on YT videos that Russian people are clapping a lot (and cheering also) during the course of the ballet
I went to my first ballet ever…Osipova in Don Quixote at the Royal Opera House!!
I had the best standing space so invited all the people around me to come and stand in my space. Ended up with two Russians, an Italian ballerina and three guys all of us crowded into my space. It was a really great experience and I made good friends. And saw Osipova!!!
Don Quixote is a great first ballet to see!
That’s so fun! Nothing better than meeting new friends over ballet 😄 and oc osipova in kitri can’t be beat ✨
standing space?! were all the seats taken?
The ROH sells cheaper tickets to stand at the back of various parts of the Opera House.
ooh, i'd take cheaper standing space for sure@@richardjh929
Oh you brought back a memory - my mother took me to see a ballet on my 9th birthday. I was enamored with ballet and had been in classes maybe about 6 months by then. She picked a matinee for us to attend, and as a special treat, she got front row seats. Well, you can guess, I couldn't really see what I wanted to see - pointe shoes on the stage! At intermission my mom asked how I was enjoying it, and I said I loved it, but I couldn't see the dancer's feet. Fortunately, it was a matinee and not very crowded, so we changed seats to the "sweet spot" and I was so happy. You know how it is, sometimes it's all about the feet. I want to remind people that kids are half your size, their perspective on the stage will be even lower than yours! My mom was so sweet to give the gift of my first ballet, and I've never forgotten that day, even though it's been over 50 years.
I'm a ballet dancer myself and I find myself looking at dancers feet no matter if they are in pointe shoes or not. I'm not sure if it's a dancer thing but lots of dancers find themselves doing that lol.
@@mermaidopulence8539 Oh yes, I love seeing their feet even without pointe shoes. I love dancers who have very expressive and flexible feet, and sometimes slippers will really highlight that. When I was a kid, I think it was a little more about those pink satin shoes though
At what point in the performance is it appropriate for one to rev their chainsaw?
Regarding chainsaws at the ballet, the proper etiquette is to rev it during the most quiet, tranquil, heart-touching moments. During the harp solo preceding the pas de deux is a good time. Check with the conductor to see if u should tune ur chainsaw to A440 or A441 and then adjust accordingly. Then rev it nonstop. The louder the better. Hope this helps 👍🏻
Excellent overview of etiquette. As a New Yorker who has attended many ballets at the Koch (State) Theater and the Met Opera I can say that dress codes are lax. I've seen men wearing cargo shorts and sandals at the Met standing next to men wearing Tuxedos. All are allowed but I would say that for men, we should wear something longer. That was the recommendation at the ticket box. However, you are free to wear shorts and no one will give you the stink eye. My rule for attending any performance is to do to harm to others. To me this means do everything I can do not negative impact the experience FOR OTHERS. If it is during the summer, bring wet wipes and deodorants so that if needed I can freshen up in the men's room so that people near me won't smell by BO. Never eat anything inside the theaters. The only thing I will put in my mouth are cough drops and I make sure I put a fresh one in before the show and during intermission so that the unwrapping noises will not disturb those near me. I bring a hard plastic bottle of water so that it won't make noise if I need to take a sip. People buy these soft water bottles and they crinkle. I will sit back and sit still during the performance. I won't lean forward and I won't lean side to side. People behind me are looking though the gaps between me and those next to me. If I move I will be blocking their view and they have to move which will cause people behind them of move, it ripples backwards. I use binoculars if needed and I will make sure to keep my elbows down when using it. I don't need to worry about this but people with a lot of hair, I think everyone behind them would appreciate it if they style their hair down whenever they are attending a performance. Clearly, no wearing of hats. At the end, I will stand up, if warranted, but if there are people of small stature behind me, I may decide to sit. I've been in situations where the "little old ladies who love ballets" can't see anything if people in front stand up and applause. All of these things can be reduced to : Don't smell (bad or good), don't make ANY noises, and move around.
Wowww thanks for sharing ur tips!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
For applause I think another great opportunity is after the concertmaster solo. Because Tchaikovsky's music is just so amazing! In the NYCB version the concertmaster solo occurs when Clara falls a sleep on the sofa and her mom is running around trying to find her, and then she tucks Clara in with her scarf. And then the Drosselmeyer sneaks in and fixes the Nutcracker. (The scene before Clara wakes up and found the giant Christmas tree and rats running around). That violin solo is so beautiful and very difficult. Every time after this concertmaster solo there's huge applause. I feel like the concertmaster should really join the conductor on the stage for applauses.
And signing! There is also a chance to stand in the crowd near the stage door and ask for selfie and program-signing. It's less organized but also really really fun. I have a friend who went to the stage door after Jake Roxander's debut of Puck at ABT, and his exact words are "Those girls are ABSOLUTELY CRAZY they scream like they are gonna eat him alive" 🤣
Can I add the (imo) BIG BIG NO of clapping during the fouettés following tge rythm? It's a ballet, not a baseball match or a queen concert, and I found it can be really distracting for the dancer depending on how she manages her nerves. I personally would clap only at the end of the coda, but if you really have to clap after the fouettés please donit AFTER and discreetly. I once watched a performance in which the audience cheered so loudly after the fouettés that the male protagonist couldn't hear the music for the continuation of the coda
Good point, that can def be distracting ESPECIALLY if they’re trying to be on the music but end up clapping slightly off the music 😅
Another reason sitting in the very front is bad is because your very close to the orchestra pit and as a violinist we can get pretty loud pretty quickly
Good point! 👍🏻👍🏻
No No, I appreciate you guys, and you are a big part of the magic!
Arrive early enough before the performance to pre-order beverages and/or snacks for intermission. Pre-ordering avoids the lines at intermission. If the line is long at intermission, you may not be able to place your order before the chimes ring to call you back to your seat for the next act.
I’m going to see The Nutcracker for the first time ever. This will also be my first time seeing a ballet performance. I am so excited ❤
So exciting!! So happy for u! We really hope u enjoy it and more to come 🥳🥳
You're going to love it! Have a wonderful time.
It's beautiful music, an interesting story. You will be surprised at how it affects you, if you don't let yourself be distracted or let insensitive companions minimalize the experience.@@sharimeline3077
This is perfect 2 weeks ago I found this channel because I was trying to find an answer for this excact question, I’m finally going to my first ballet where the San Juan orchestra (orquestra sinfónica ) so not only it’s 2 bucket list checks for me but also my first date since giving birth and I’ve been non stop excited ❤
AAAHH we love this!! Congrats on ur baby and on going to see ur first ballet! We’re glad to have u here (welcome to the channel 😁) and happy this video could answer ur questions 😄😄💕✨
Ladies you forgot this faux pas: Humming the entire score along with the orchestra 😶. It's also good to bring a small pin light or small flashlight to help you find your seat. Some theatres' seat numbers are worn especially in the older theatres and opera houses. There are no stupid questions. When in doubt, ask an usher, they're usually very helpful. Also, if you have them, don't forget to bring your opera glasses. If you don't own a pair it's worth it to rent a pair before a performance, that way you will see the details no matter where you're sitting in the theatre.
entire score? ouch
Hahaha yeah humming along can def be disturbing! Never experienced that one though 😂. Thanks for sharing ur audience tips!
We are getting ready to do our Nutcracker in less than two weeks and im so excited. For many of us dancers nothing says Christmas like The Nutcracker. Now if I may add on to what you were saying about the seating for the shows. If it's a production that I've seen many times (i.e Swan Lake, The Nutcracker) then I will sometimes choose to sit in the front rows. I mainly do that when I want to see theor technique and see how I could apply it to my dancing but also I can see the details of the costumes, their makeup and the look of their shoes. Im also glad you brought up the flash from taking pictures because one time I was doing our spring ballet and as I was going to do my steps a flash went off and distracted me but thankfully I was able to recover.
Flash is the worst! One is bad enough, but the problem is when everyone all of a sudden thinks it’s ok to shoot and then we start seeing a light show in the black of the audience. Not ideal 😅.
We and the BR team wish u all the best this nutcracker season, with many successful shows! Merde 💕✨
I love to go to the theatre to see a ballet and to seat at the balcony, so I cn enjoy the full corp of ballet.
The balcony is perfect for enjoying the corps! ✨✨
Nice to see that brief Twoset appearance 🤩
Icons ✨🎻
I love that these tips also work for opera and plays/musicals. Really anything in a theater, generally speaking.
It’s true! Audience etiquette is pretty universal 👍🏻👍🏻
General etiquette like this ought to be required watching for anyone attending live events. I sang in a Symphony Chorus for nearly 20 years and the deterioration of etiquette by audiences was troubling. However, what is acceptable in one country may not be acceptable in another. So always be aware of cultural differences when you view a live event while traveling. Example, those serving in the Israeli defense force are permitted to go into any life performance and watch the performance for free when in uniform. During a series of performances, we did with the Israeli Philharmonic in the 90s saw many soldiers sitting on the stairs in camo hiking boots, carrying their Uzi’s. Not something I and my fellow chorus members was used to, however they all seemed to tremendously seemed to enjoy the performances. And, it was encouraging to see so many young people enjoying classical music.
I am so happy to have found you. You are so classy, knowledgeable, and full of love. I wish we could be friends! Keep up the amazing work. Our generation needs inspiration to cultivate love for the classics.
Hello new friend! Happy to have met u too ☺️☺️. Thanks so much for ur kind words, means a lot to us 💕
hahaa “blissfully confused” - sounds like my first ballet experience!
I think most people can relate to that lol 😂
I see no problems at all. After all I watch you every Saturday evening in my toxido anyway. My bowtie is usually red, but if the ballet has a tragical end like Swan Lake , I will use a black one. Just not to disturb the mood. There is however a version of Swan Lake which has a happy ending, and that calls for the red one. Flower Festival and Napoli demand a yellow one, but that is the exception.
I love this
PLS PLS PLS SEND PHOTOS 🤣
Chainsaw neighbor and TwoSet shout out! This was a great video, BRAVA!! I would love to visit a ballet. These tips were helpful, especially the seating layout. ❤🎉
Hahaha we were hoping you’d like that 😂😂 so glad u found the tips helpful ✨✨
If you have young children, some companies and schools do a short version of The Nutcracker with interaction and a Q&A after the performance. Some little ones will enjoy that more than the full ballet!
Very true! Those are becoming pretty popular, and are def great for younger kids 😁😁
OMG you guys know twoset. I always thought you guys had a similar proposition to them but instead of classical music it is ballet
I had to rewind that moment I recognized the Two Set clip. aaaa. Anyway, I'd love to go to more ballets in person, I've only gone to Peter Pan once, all the others have been recordings. Though one was a special collaboration with the Bolshoi where cinemas would have their Nutcracker playing during Nutcracker season. But it isn't the same
TwoSet cameo 😆. Def recommend going to see a live ballet! It’s a totally different experience than in cinema ✨
Just watched the first Nutcracker of the year yesterday. Really wish every audience gets educated before they go to a ballet(yesterday the couple sitting next to me were chatting and recording throughout the performance👎👎).
For the dress code, I sometimes feel sad that I underdressed among the well-dressed people. After all, I cannot cycle to the theater in a slip dress and fancy heels in such a cold winter.🥲
And nice twoset insert :) As I said, you are the twoset of our ballet world!!! Looking forward to your 10k subscription!!!!!🥳
loved the Twoset b-roll, too
In 2019, I flew into Houston to watch HB do Sleeping Beauty and I LEFT MY (and my friends’) TICKETS AT HOME 😬 Fortunately, HB had a record of it and we picked up replacements at will call. Performance was *excellent*
Oh no! 😅 good way to solve the problem though 👍🏻. HB is a very good company! ✨
I usually go for the very first rows 😂 just because I get to see every detail from the protagonists and even the corps although it does sacrifices the panorama a bit
The perfect place to see detail!! ✨👍🏻
that sense of emptyness when the ballet is over and you have to leave the theatre... sometimes you desire that everything restarts just after
FOR REAL 🥹🥹
You are lovely and really fun! You deserve tons of applause and people standing up.
AWW so sweet 🥹🥹 thank u!! We love y’all
Great advice. I'm weird when I go to a show: I want to sit far enough front that I can differentiate the dancers, see the principals, and kind of be at a distance where the dancers feel I am enthusiastic and supporting them. I know, when I performed, I got energy from the audience I could actually see, and I infrequently, discreetly gave them just the slightest focus. (Of course, 95% of your energy goes to your fellow performers or out into the top rows). I don't mind having a closer view of a ballet I know well; but like to get back a bit for something that is new to me. I always want to get at a distance where I can see feet, which can sometimes be front or 2nd row if the orchestra pushes the seats far enough back. I also find I always like to see how the costumes & sets are made, where the lights are coming from, the expressions of the dancers who are acting; but I know the typical audience would probably get more of the "magic" by sitting further back. Balconies are great for seeing formations, if it is that kind of ballet.
Thanks for sharing ur preferred view of the ballet! 😁😁
OMG, speaking of BEAUTIFUL theaters, the Ohio Theater in Columbus used to be a movie theater (back when the moviegoers were the Rockefellers) and it is seriously opulent. I am obsessed with this theater and adore going! Sometimes BalletMet will perform at the Davidson Theater across the street, which is also cool and has some seriously amazing tech features for all the fun tricks and gimmicks, but I HIGHLY recommend going to the Ohio Theater. (Cinderella is my favorite show there. I am literally in tears at the end of every act; quite literally. It's just so good!)
Thanks for ur theatre/show recs! ✨✨✨
i just was coming to your channel to ask you girls to make this exact video. I went and saw my first ballet a few weeks ago and was so unsure of etiquette during the show ( though I did pick up fairly quick.) I'm taking my two younger sisters to see The Nutcracker next month and thought it would be nice to give them a good resource to learn the etiquette.
That being said, thank you both!
What perfect timing! 😆 we hope yall enjoy yourselves at the nutcracker this season and hope this video helps yall feel more confident and classy in the theatre 😁😁
Absolutely wonderful video and a very helpful way to make the ballet less frightning for first time goers ❤❤❤ For a future video idea as someone who dreams to one day work in a ballet costume deartment I would live to hear you two talk about ballet costumes like fittings or the differens in dancing in a leotard during rehersals vs dancing in a costume during performances. Much love to you both ❤❤❤
Glad u enjoyed this one! And thanks for ur suggestion! The costuming world is sooo vast, there would be a lot to cover but we’d love to talk more about costumes ✨✨
I agree with the seating, I've always preferred the middle section and not being too close to the stage.
It’s the best place for sure! 👍🏻
hiii my favorite ballet channel has posted again
WOW next week!! Wishing u and the company a fabulous nutcracker run this season. Ur gonna do great 👍🏻Merde! 😁😁
I had my first live ballet experience in June this year. In Paris 😁 I loved it, and I’m relieved to learn that I didn’t make any egregious errors in etiquette!
Ur a natural!! Wishing u many more fun ballet experiences this season and new year! 🫰🏻✨
Oh man having party scene playing under this video is throwing me for a loop! Its my second year playing Mrs. Stahlbam (clara's mother!) so i've been listening to nothing but that music for months xD
party scene our nonstop bop this time of year 😂😂. Wishing u the best this nutcracker season, Mrs Stahlbaum! 🎄🎁
as an usher, i have to THANK YOU for this video 💗
Hahaha no we appreciate YOU guys for all yall do to make the shows run smoothly! ✨✨
Thank you so much for this video! I'm gonna go see The Nutcracker with my dad next week, and I really needed this to prepare for this!
Omg what perfect timing! 😆😆 so glad we could help. We hope u both enjoy the performance ✨✨
I just started going to play class and everyone started to to Make Friends and but when we're into the stage for a concert I feel like I was going to explode into thousands of pieces
I’m really picky about seats, as close to the front as possible on the circle is my chosen seating. A good view looking down on the stage but not so high up that I feel like I’m overhead in the balcony.
That's awesome that u have identified ur fave view! 😁😁
As a dancer, this was really interesting because I am normally on stage rather than an audience member I love you guys and your channel ❤
So glad u found it interesting! As dancers we really encourage other dancers to see ballet from the audience pov, it’s a whole different perspective! 👍🏻👍🏻. Thanks for watching our channel ☺️☺️💕
Sorry, wasn't able to watch the premiere again, the school work is getting me(and congrats on becoming brand ambassadors of ana luisa❤)
Thank you very much! 😁😁 no need to apologize. Hope school is going well!
@@balletreign 💜
Thank you SO much ladies! I'll be going to my first Ballet this Sunday for a performance of The Nutcracker. You ladies were so helpful! Definitely sharing this video.
NO WAY that’s awesome! We hope u enjoy ur first ballet! 🩰 thanks for watching and sharing ✨✨
I'm actually going see Nutcracker at Seoul National Ballet in a few weeks so this was very timely! Thanks for the content
NO WAYYY that’s so awesome ur in for a treat! Glad we could help out, pls enjoy urself!! 😄😄
Nutcracker is one ballet where I don't mind if there are noises and distractions because I know we're here for the kids. I do mind when adults talk to each other. I don't mind if they need to take care of their kids but talking to each other is a big no no for me. I do see couples on dates and it is usually the men who try to impress their dates by talking during the performances. That's a swipe left for me.
Haha def agree 😂😂
I'm already calling my chainsaw neighbor to the local theatre to watch a ballet, thanks for the video, it's really useful!
HAHA hope yall have fun! Make sure he doesn’t forget his chainsaw on the chairs in the front lobby 👍🏻
Rewatching this as I'm going to watch my first ballet at the local theatre of next biggest city near me tomorrow. The video is such a help ❤
Nice!! Glad this video helps u. Enjoy the ballet! ✨✨
I’m about to see my first truly ballet performance tonight, it’s Swan Lake, and I cannot wait! Thank you for these tips, also new subbie! 💕
Wowwww that’s amazing!! We rlly hope u enjoy the evening and so happy our video could help u feel prepared 👍🏻 thanks for joining the Ballet Nerds! 😆😆
Can you please review Mistake Waltz? 😊😊😊 really love your reviews.
YES 😆😆
@@balletreign I giggled when I saw the TwoSet clip. 😊😊😊 you guys would make an amazing collab. 😊😊😊
@altuum Somebody tag them and put in a good word for us 😝. We’re too shy 🙈
@@balletreign @twosetviolin would make an awesome collab!😊😊😊😊😊 especially bringing classical music and art to younger generations.
Hi! I love your videos and I absolutely love ballets🤞I got to see my first ballet about year and a half ago, it was Swan Lake and it changed me🥹 I truly fell in love with ballet, even tho I have always been quite familiar with it and interested in it. Me and my mom loved the ballet so much that at the very end when all the dansers and the orchestra bowed, me and my mom, two fan girls in front row gave a standing ovation cause we were so blown away by the performance. Although, afterwards I was afraid that the standing avation would be too much or it would be inapropriate or smth cause funny enough I did not check the ballet etiquette before the ballet🤣 I was so glad to hear that the standing ovation is just fine and that the dansers love it😊😊 Also I think me and my mom were possibly the only ones to stand up but we didn’t care, we just wanted the whole crew to know how amazing and talented they were😌🤭🫶
All I know is that I think that every ballet deserves a standing ovation, such a beautiful form of art🙌
Thank you for another informative and enjoyable video.
You’re very welcome, thank you for watching! 😁😁
Thanks girls!! Im going to a ballet show next week and im not familiar with ballet. Very excited 🥳
You’re so welcome, glad this helped! Which ballet are you watching? Have fun!
Good pointes! Thank you, Ladies.
Also...love the braids, Eden.
Thanks very much! 😁😁
"Nutcracker World Domination" -- love that!
Thanks for the guide😊
Ur very welcome! Hope it helped ☺️☺️
Where I'm at front few rows is where the family usually sits.
Nice!! 😎😎
Was at a show with a flower throw this weekend. Most of them only reached the orchestra pit. The poor musicians were getting rained on and hit from all directions. Occasionally a flower would then get tossed from the pit up onto the stage. If you are planning to participate in a flower throw, practice your baseball arm first!
May I add one small suggestion for your list? Please be kind to those of us with allergies and leave your fragrance for another day. That would be awesome.
That’s a good one too! Even backstage we try not to use fragrances or aerosol sprays out of respect for our sensitive friends 🫁✨
Wonderful and very helpful video! I wish I'd had this when I went to my first ballet many years ago. 🙂
Glad u found this helpful! Never too late to boost ur ballet nerding skills ✨🙌🏻😁
Thank you, as a 37 year old man with zero knowledge of ballet, I've agreed to take my young daughter to her first show and had no clue on any of this. 😅
Aww! That’s amazing that she’ll get to enjoy her first ballet with you 😄😄. We hope u both enjoy the show ✨
what about curtain calls and encores?
Thank you! I have a question: Would it be okay to take some photos during the show?
It’s better not to, out of respect for the dancers ☺️☺️
I can also watch "Giselle" in my sweats at home on UA-cam.
That is always a good option 😂
I'm not trying to be sassy here, but isn't a standing ovation kind of de rigueur nowadays? For everything? (or so it has seemed to me, for some years now)
It’s def not expected of the audience to start after the performance; sometimes they don’t or it’s only a few who do. But ur right in the fact that it is common 👍🏻👍🏻
If you have kids that like to talk a lot, please please please teach them as best as possible to be quiet through the whole show. One show I went to years ago, there was this really talkative kid sitting in the row behind me, and the parents did nothing to try and quiet the kid (the kid ended up talking through pretty much the whole show). It very much distracted me from the ballet, and just made me very annoyed.
Yesss 👏🏻👏🏻
Know that Nutcracker season is over, but I just found out that Swan Lake will be performed nearby in 2024. Would you recommend that for a first-timer to the ballet? Never seen a full length ballet, but definitely impressed when I've seen short demonstrations. (I've seen many musicals before though, if that helps for reference)
YES Swan Lake is a PERFECT first ballet! The story is beautiful and the music is *exquisite*. (Def recommend watching our full Swan Lake Analysis if u need a rundown on the story! ua-cam.com/video/aeXiLuMJLBM/v-deo.htmlsi=Val5Qx18xOlGv2At 🦢)
@@balletreign Thank you! The video was very helpful! (and *exquisite*) Already love theatre in general, but a little concerned I may not have the appreciation for a full length ballet. Though, guess I won't know unless i see one... so here goes!
Please do not bring in food (popcorn, candy etc.) into the auditorium and eat it during the performance. However, in my book, clapping towards the end of a series of particularly impressive tricks creates a sense of celebration and excitement. Watching brilliant fouettes in complete reverential silence till the very end is not my cup of tea. It's just weird: ballet is entertainment not a sermon.
Agreed! The audience is def allowed to express their excitement 😆😆
The use of phones or other filming tools is not only disrespectful and distracting for the performers btw, but also your fellow audience members. I once went to a musical performance and the person in front of me kept taking their phone out to record their favourite scenes.
Like, excuse me, I didn't buy a ticket to a live performance to watch it through your phone screen.