HOW TO SHARE YOUR LOVE OF DANCE WITH YOUR CHILDREN

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How old should my child be to attend a ballet?

To ensure an enjoyable and relaxed experience for everyone, we recommend that children be at least 5-years-old to attend The Nutcracker. Please note that we do not allow children under 3, including babes in arms.

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• The Nutcracker is 2 hours long and not always ideal for younger children. 

• Everyone entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket, and children must be seated with an accompanying adult. No lap sitting.

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Is my child ready?

If you answer "yes" to these three questions, you should be good to go:

• Has your child already enjoyed a two-hour movie or another form of live entertainment without talking or moving around?

• Is your child comfortable and happy sitting in her or his own seat without disturbing others nearby?

• Has your child demonstrated the ability to hold a question for later?

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How do I prepare my child for a performance?

• Consider selecting an aisle seat in case an exit is needed for an unavoidable visit to the restroom or a restless child. Anyone of any age creating a disturbance will be asked to leave the auditorium. Please note: If you leave your seat during the performance, re-entry will likely be delayed until intermission.

• Explain to your child that in a live performance, we are very quiet so as not to disturb the performers or other audience members.

• Introduce your child to the story ballet they will see and the music they will hear.  

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What should we do when we arrive?

• We suggest you arrive early to allow time to visit the restroom before taking your seat.

• Pick up a program book and read the synopsis to your child.

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What should we do once we are seated?

• Before the performance begins, please remind your child not to talk or ask questions during the performance and to remain seated without touching or kicking the seat in front of them. When the lights dim, and the music begins, it's quiet time.

• Eating food, including candy, is not allowed in the auditorium. If you think you'll need cough drops, please unwrap a few before the performance starts.

• Out of consideration for other audience members, we ask that you quickly remove a child who creates a disturbance during the performance.

• If you must leave the theater because your child was unhappy or disruptive, unfortunately, there are no refunds or exchanges.