Frequently Asked Questions

1.   What do I wear to a ballet?

Usually the attire for an evening ballet is “semi-dressy” or “church clothes.” Nice casual is perfectly acceptable for a matinee performance. School performances are usually casual.

2.   Is it ok to bring young children to the ballet?

Use your judgment. If the ballet is Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, or a spring concert showcase, where there will be lots of short sequences, frequent changes in the dances, lots of scene changes and costume changes, it is easier for a young child even ages two and half or three to stay interested and attentive. A more mature ballet, such as Giselle, is geared for children who are able to focus for longer periods, such as ages seven and up. If you are not sure, and you have young children, you may want to sit in an aisle seat, close to an exit. Children under two should not come to a ballet, as it will be frustrating for them, and distracting to the dancers.

3.   Is it ok to clap during the ballet?

It is now acceptable to clap during the ballet if you see something you like. It lets the dancers know you appreciate and enjoy what they are doing.

4.   Is it ok to yell or hoot in a ballet?

Not really. Yelling “bravo” along with clapping is usually universally accepted. Yelling “Janie, you rock girl!!” is not.

5.   Is it ok to take pictures or videotape during a ballet?

No, not unless you have been given permission by the administration.

6.   What if I arrive late?

Sometimes this is unavoidable. If you arrive late and the ushers are no longer at the doors, it is best to sit closest to the door you entered through, and behind already seated audience members. If your seats are further front and you must cross over other seated guests to get to yours, it is best to wait in the back until there is a pause in the music or the action on stage, then quickly find your seats. If there are no pauses, it is best to wait until intermission to find your seats.


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