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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to take 3 year old to swan lake.

261 replies

Lonelymummyof1 · 07/05/2017 23:42

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 ?

OP posts:
Elphaba99 · 09/05/2017 11:02

Friends rehearsals are part of a package of events at the ROH that "Friends" can book - "Friends" in this case being those who support the ROH financially, often paying up to thousands of £££ a year. Stage calls and rehearsals are a serious business for both the company and the audience. I don't think they would be suitable for a 3 yr old.

Plus the ROH Friends' events do not include visiting companies as far as I know, although I may be wrong.

I really wish the OP would come back and confirm whether she has spoken to the ROH re age limits when she bought her tickets.

LadyLapsang · 09/05/2017 12:07

As well as ENB's My first ballet, they also run Ballet Buddies for 3-10 year olds to attend events and meet the dancers etc.

LassWiTheDelicateAir · 09/05/2017 12:13

Friends packages run from £96 to £2,025. The no under 5's age limit will still apply.

I know people are trying to be helpful but suggestions like feeding chocolate buttons to keep a child happy are really not appropriate for this venue and the audience which will be at this venue.

Lonelymummyof1 · 09/05/2017 12:28

Sorry guys !
I have cancelled are booking, and her ballet teacher is kindly organising somethint for her via royal ballet /ENB she will be allowed to watch the rehearsals and then her and her teacher will be allowed to use the stage to then dance for them.
Thankyou so much for all your advice and help

OP posts:
Lonelymummyof1 · 09/05/2017 12:31

Innagazing
Thankyou from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness truelly means a lot to us.
Sorry for not writing in OP about the illness I was just under the inpression it would not change much regarding the 3 yr old at the ballet aspect and distruption.

Thankyou all again.

OP posts:
MommaGee · 09/05/2017 12:32

Oh OP that sounds amazing!! Only special little girls get to dance FOR the ballerinas! (Tries not to cry on the train) xxxxx

Elphaba99 · 09/05/2017 12:50

Fabulous, OP ! What lovely news. 💖💖💖

KingLooieCatz · 09/05/2017 13:00

Crying at desk. Hope she has an amazing time.

JellySubmarine · 09/05/2017 13:08

Sorry but far too young, too late and she could ruin it for others who have paid a lot for tickets/an evening out

MommaGee · 09/05/2017 13:26

Jelly read the thread. Even a couple of pages worth

innagazing · 09/05/2017 13:33

Lonelymummy
You're so welcome, and thank you for not being cross with me, as I thought afterwards, and on refection, that maybe I'd overstepped the mark a bit. I hope your daughter has an awesome time on her special day!
When she needs a change from Swan Lake, try The Nutcracker, as it's a lovely ballet too.

manicinsomniac · 09/05/2017 13:38

Oh, so glad to read the dance teacher was able to help.

I'm a little stunned at the response from the ROH. I realise it's huge and must have a rather 'computer says no' type attitude in order to function but, given that they responded to an email about a social media thread, I am actually really surprised they were so negative. A performance at the ROH can't be that common a 'wish' so I doubt it's a request they get all the time.

Oh well; sounds like your daughter is going to have a fantastic day regardless. All the best.

One of my daughters is at a specialist dance school and they went to dance in a children's ward just before Christmas. Something like that, while nothing like as special as what you now have planned, might be an exciting little pre cursor for her if you have local dance schools that might be willing.

innagazing · 09/05/2017 14:00

Manic
I think that this little girl first got hooked on ballet after a visit from dancers whilst she was in hospital! It just shows how important it is to some children when other young people give up their time to do such a nice thing. Good on your daughter!

mousymary · 09/05/2017 14:07

I know you probably have the books, OP, but Little Ballet Star books by Adele Geras were loved by my dd when she was small. The little girl in the books practises all her ballet moves and goes to see a real ballet starring her aunt. Dd and I read them over and over again.

Chavelita · 09/05/2017 14:12

Delighted you've got such a good result, OP. I hope your daughter enjoys every second.

I'm a little stunned at the response from the ROH. I realise it's huge and must have a rather 'computer says no' type attitude in order to function but, given that they responded to an email about a social media thread, I am actually really surprised they were so negative. A performance at the ROH can't be that common a 'wish' so I doubt it's a request they get all the time.

I don't think it's that they're worried there will be a slew of people wanting their under-fives to see a regular performance, more an acknowledgement that a regular ROH performance, outside of specific family-friendly events, just isn't a suitable environment for a three year old. Performances are extremely formal, the audience is numerically dominated by older people, and the expensive seats are likely to be occupied by longterm sponsors of productions/renovations/Young artist training programmes they are desperate to keep sweet and who wouldn't find a three year old dancing in the aisle at all charming. General rehearsals are serious, working affairs, with half the auditorium taken up with lighting desks/technical stuff, photographers taking publicity stills and video, the directorial team poring over scores, taking notes and consulting with the conductor in the pit etc etc.

I have a well-behaved, very musical five year old I could technically bring, but it really isn't the place for him despite the fact that he would be quieter than the deafening coughers who specialise in sounding off at quiet moments in the score-.

Giddyaunt18 · 09/05/2017 14:51

7.30 pm for 3 hours? Forget it. Take her when she is older and you will both enjoy it more.

Giddyaunt18 · 09/05/2017 14:58

Ignore my comment. Should have read the whole thread.

Blowingthroughthejasmineinmymi · 09/05/2017 14:59

royal ballet /ENB she will be allowed to watch the rehearsals and then her and her teacher will be allowed to use the stage to then dance for them

Flowers Wonderful news op. Grin sounds perfect and much more personal Smile

manicinsomniac Tue 09-May-17 13:38:24

I have been to ROH many many times, and when things have gone wrong, ie they had dreadful booking system for many years whereby you queued for hours to get tickets, thought you had them in your basket went to pay and got kicked out - they were totally non apologetic. Sloppy for supposed world class venue. Adore the place and the performances but I do feel customer relations leave little to be desired.

Anyway glad its sorted op.

GoatsFeet · 09/05/2017 15:09

Friends rehearsals are part of a package of events at the ROH that "Friends" can book - "Friends" in this case being those who support the ROH financially, often paying up to thousands of £££ a year. Stage calls and rehearsals are a serious business for both the company and the audience. I don't think they would be suitable for a 3 yr old

I did tell the OP this way upthread.

Davros · 09/05/2017 15:23

Sorry, I haven't read the full thread but about half so apologies if you've already got this info. I know you wanted Swan Lake but, in case Matilda will do instead or even as well as :

Following the sold-out success of the previous relaxed performances of Matilda The Musical, the Royal Shakespeare Company will present a fourth relaxed performance at the Cambridge Theatre onn Sunday 11 June 2017, 3pmpm*.

The performance will offer a relaxed environment, with elements of the production adapted to reduce anxiety or stress. Lighting and sound levels are adjusted to soften their impact and there will be a relaxed attitude to moving around the auditorium during the performance. Designated ‘chill-out’ areas are provided outside the auditorium with soft seating and activities if people want to take a break from the performance.

Tickets are being offered at the reduced rates of £10 and £25!

Tickets can only be booked through:
• The RSC Ticket Hotline, 01789 403 49393* (10am-6pmm)
• In person at the Cambridge Theatre box office

All bookers will be sent a visual story to help them familiarise themselves with the plot, characters and the setting before they arrive at the theatre. Detailed event and transport information is available online.

Clandestino · 09/05/2017 15:24

DD loves ballet and classical music but I still wouldn't trust her to sit through the whole Swan Lake and she's 7. She would enjoy it too much.

Majorgoodwinschickenbeatstrump · 09/05/2017 15:29

Awww!! Lovely outcome Smile

user1490734428 · 09/05/2017 15:30

I think you should do it. I used to get taken to a lot of concerts/ballets as a 3/4 year old and loved it and managed to sit through it silently with no trouble.

Also, it's not 3.25 solid hours, you get an interval in between.

QueenofEsgaroth · 09/05/2017 15:32

I have made this mistake, don't do it. Ballet audiences are savage, even the matinee lot. (Still makes me cringe 3 years later)

Jaxhog · 09/05/2017 17:20

I'm so glad you got something sorted out to see the RB rehearse. I've seen them a few times (I used to work there), and it is very special. They are lovely people and I'm sure your DD will love it.

If it is the ENB instead, I'm sure they will be equally lovely.

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