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Frequently asked questions about performances
When should I book?
To be sure of getting the seat you want, the earlier you book the better. However, performances usually have some seats available right up to the start time but you will run the risk of less choice if you leave it to the last minute. Some productions are more popular than others too – if you are booking for one of our Christmas productions you are advised to book well in advance as they do get full quite quickly – especially the matinees.
Where should I sit to get the best view?
Generally, people consider the Dress Circle to be the best place to see ballet. However, others prefer the Stalls as it’s closer to the stage and you can feel more caught up in the action. It’s worth remembering that you will be looking up at the stage from the Stalls and down on the stage from the Dress Circle. Generally, the higher up you sit, the further away from the stage you are but you can still get a good view if you sit in the Circle, Balcony or Gallery – it’s best in the centre. Seating varies a lot from theatre to theatre – it’s often a good idea to ask someone at the box office about good seats.
What should I wear?
It’s completely up to you. There is no any dress code at Northern Ballet Theatre (NBT) productions and you should wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Some people do like to dress up to go to a production but it is never black tie.
Is there any talking?
No, NBT tells its stories through dance and there is very rarely any talking.
Will I understand what’s going on?
Yes. NBT is well known for telling a story through dance by using a lot more theatrical training for its dancers so the emotion comes across clearly. Our Shakespeare adaptations are great for school groups, whilst they are still getting to grips with the language of the play. There is also a scene by scene break down in the programme which you can read if you feel unsure – this is also available online so have a look before you go.
Do I need to understand what certain movements mean?
No, NBT communicates the feelings of the characters through facial expressions and the way they dance. You don’t need to know anything about mime or traditional ballet gestures.
Is it ballet or contemporary dance?
NBT is a ballet company and most of the dance you see is based in the classical ballet tradition. However, NBT combines traditional ballet with theatre, which can give the productions a different feel to very classical ballet companies. This often helps the productions to be more accessible if you are more used to musicals or drama.
Is it a big production or small scale and basic?
NBT has high production values and all the productions look and sound big. There is a live orchestra and the sets and costumes are always high quality and on a big scale.
When should I clap?
Generally people clap at the end of each act but depending on the production, sometimes people clap at the end of a particular section of dance if they have really enjoyed it or even in the middle of a dance if something spectacular happens! There aren’t any rules about clapping.
How long will the performance last?
This will vary depending on the production and how many intervals there are (usually one but sometimes two). Most of the time, the performance will last between 2 and 2 and a half hours including a 20-minute interval.
If you have a question that hasn’t been answered here, please email marketing@northernballettheatre.co.uk and we will get back to you.
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