First time at Ballet?
First time at Ballet?
Ballet is one of the most exquisite forms of high art in existence. And yet it is also one of the most exclusive. There is certainly an aura of inaccessibility, both from those inside the ballet world, and those of us looking in from the outside.Watching it for the first time can be a bit... overwhelming. While you know that it’s impressive, for sure, you aren’t quite sure why. But don’t worry. Here are some top tips on getting the best out of watching a ballet performance.
For a newcomer to ballet, it’s best to try and see a classical ballet performance, if only so that you can greater appreciate these types of modern variations later down the line.
For a performance that contains zero dialogue, you can’t be expected to pick up the plot just by following the dance.The Libretto (which in Italian means booklet) contains the synopsis of a show, as well as some important staging directions.
The time of your performance is written on your ticket, and they do vary, so it’s worth checking. If you miss the beginning of the ballet, you’ll have to watch it on a monitor until there’s a suitable break in the performance, which can often be at the first interval! This is to ensure the spell in the auditorium is not broken by a constant stream of latecomers.
Seeing the same ballet twice (or three, four or five times!) is incredibly rewarding. Different dancers interpret works in fascinatingly different ways, and you’ll be able to catch moments and nuances you missed the first time.
The Gocomgo team has collected for you the best, in our opinion, works for your acquaintance with the delightful world of ballet.