AIBU to take 3 year old to swan lake.

[Lonelymummyof1]

Swan lake it showing in july and daughter is obsessed with it !
It does not have a age requirement listed but is 3 too young ?

Does it have to be an evening performance, lots of children at matinees. Also you could become a friend of the ROH. As far as I can remember (was a long time ago) you can get tickets for rehearsals.

There is only one matinee performance (which is almost completely sold out already) and the remaining tickets are eye-wateringly expensive.

They don't allow under 5's in anyway I don't think.

Sorry, seemed to have skipped the 'Make a wish' post.

However, it is VERY long for a 3 year old.

I guess you mean this OP. If you went for a box and explained the special circumstances then maybe they'd make an exception? But I'm not sure it's a brilliant idea.
Next year they will be producing it themselves, rather than a visiting company, and it will be broadcast to cinemas.
mobi.odeon.co.uk/films/royal_ballet_swan_lake_live_2018/17303/ but that's a long way away for a three year old.

I'd definitely try to get to My First Ballet: Cinderella for now and test the waters - if she loves ballet then I'm sure she'll love it even if it isn't Swan Lake.

X-post while I was looking for links. Good luck with finding something lovely for your DD OP.

Sorry have no idea how to work this thing really, but to who asked what I meant by her "wish "
Without completely outing myself she a life limting illness that includes on failing organ.

She has had alot of nasty treatment and lots of surgery but startee ballet after falling in love with it when some come to dance at the hospital.
She then startet ballet and has found a very real love for it.

Swan lake is watched countless times and picked over any cartoon :)

No it's not to young. My mum took me at age three and I was in awe. Get an aisle seat so your dc can dance along though in case it's too long to sit the entire time.
No, dancing in the aisles is definitely unacceptable behaviour for anything but a special children's viewing! It's also likely to get you thrown out of the theatre too!
I started taking my daughter when she 4 years old, as she was similarly obsessed with ballet (now 17 and about to go to a Dance Conservatoire soon) and she fully understood that she had to be very still and very quiet throughout the performance, which she managed very well. It became our annual treat and family tradition. Try it, but get an aisle seat so you can leave very easily if need be. Remember to take her to the loo before it starts! Hope it works out

*failing organ

OP, it isn't a production by the Royal Ballet, it is a visiting company from Russia, The Mariinsky Ballet.

And the idea by another PP that it would be fine, get aisle seats and she can dance in the aisle... er... no way! Other audience members will have paid getting on for £100 each for tickets and would be seriously unimpressed if the performance is disturbed by a little one, however much you want to take her. Sorry.

YABU. Get her a DVD. Take her to shorter shows (perhaps the Nutcracker, which is intended to be for children).

A 3-year-old at the Royal Albert Hall for 3 hours is a recipe for disaster. And it's not fair on the rest of the audience.

I would contact the ROH and see if they can help or make an exception. I hope they can.

I too missed the make a wish post. sorry, it's late and I'm tired.
Would this be an option? www.englishyouthballet.co.uk/productionsswanlake.html
It's performed by kids, but to a high standard. My daughter did Giselle with them once and she loved it!
It's great that your daughter has a passion for ballet at such a young age, and I hope she continues to enjoy it and finds other ballets too to enjoy.

Isn't the Mariinsky the former Kirov? Ie one of the top companies in the world? It would be an incredible experience for her. If you get a box you can get away with all sorts - people eat and drink in them!

She has dvds, costumes , watches you tibe of different versions and even tutorials.
I was just hoping to do something a little more special.
I have taken everything in to account and will have a look at other ways without ruining other peoples night.

OP I'm really sorry to gear what your daughter is going through. I have a poorly one who has spent months in and out of hospital. If you can find somewhere that will take a 3 yo, take her. Frankly I don't care that iabu
Def speak to Make A Wish and ROH

Getinthefuckingsea -
If I am honest I have know idea about ballet I even question whether she is my daughter at times haha so have not got a scoob about whats the difference in the productions etc.

Innagazing brilliamt thankyou.
There is one in sunderland quite along way to go but sure I could make it work :)

I see this has been quashed but good grief, no, you could not possibly take a 3 year old to the Royal Ballet.

Honestly I don't think the "something a little bit special" is a full length ballet at the ROH. Have you ever been to the ROH, OP? It is really not suitable for three year olds: steep stairs, narrow passages between seats, very formal atmosphere which would be ruined by the tiniest peep from a 3 yo. I think you would find it incredibly stressful to take her there and know she would have to be silent for the whole performance.

In the nicest possible way, I think you need to rethink this one.

Lonelymummy well they were considered the tip top Russian company since forever (although maybe debatable now) and Russia is known for being tip top at producing dancers in general so yes they're pretty special. Ring the ROH tomorrow. Contact charities to see if they could help with costs. I think it's a lovely idea.

Isn't the Mariinsky the former Kirov? Ie one of the top companies in the world?

It is indeed. Another reason not to take a 3 year old.

I agree with the stress element - keeping a 3 year old still and quiet for that amount of time would make the whole thing an ordeal. Add to that the looks - you must know that serious ballet goers would be sniffy about seeing a small child at such a formal performance.

I mean I am not sure she will really understand about top companies it was just the only local performance of swan lake I could find in the time frame I needed.
Thankyou.

Check out your local theatres OP, you might get lucky with a touring company.

It is really not suitable for three year olds: steep stairs, narrow passages between seats, very formal atmosphere which would be ruined by the tiniest peep from a 3 yo

Absolutely second that. The Royal Ballet and the Mariinsky along with New York City Ballet are the creme de la creme. The Royal Opera house is stunning but very formal and very expensive.

The etiquette is that unless you are having a heart attack or going into labour you do not fidget or talk or cough or sneeze during performances.

Yes there are usually a very small number of little girls in net frocks but never as young as 3.