to think that ballet doesn't deserve its elitist image?

[k2p2k2tog]

For the first time in my life last night I went to the ballet. My DD dances and she came with me, we saw Scottish Ballet do the Nutcracker. And it was amazing. Loved it. Live orchestra, stunning sets, sparkly costumes, great soloists and overall a good experience. DD was worried it would be hard to follow what was going on - she found it very easy to understand the story and was inspired by the fabulous dancers.

Our tickets were £14 each. This is not much more than going to the cinema, and half the price of panto tickets in Glasgow this year. Yes we could have paid more to sit in the grand circle but we had a very good, unrestricted view of what was happening on stage.

So why does ballet have this "posh" image when people are quite happy to pay £14 for a cinema ticket and popcorn, or £50 or more to see whoever's the latest pop star on tour?

If the arguement is that one can only appreciate opera by attending an event, then it is elitist, as there are simply not enough reasonably priced seats easily available around the country, unlike cinema or indeed people's sitting rooms.

I think it's more that different forms and mediums are better suited to being consumed in different ways. Some films are better on a huge screen with top-of-the-range sound while others lose nothing by being watched on TV. Some plays are better in massive proscenium arch theatres while some work better in an intimate studio. Opera dates from before the mass media age, so the idea that you can only appreciate it by attending it live isn't elitist so much as an indicator of its cultural timing and context.

Having said that, it's a pity if this particular production was misjudged and performed as though for a theatre rather than for TV; a good opportunity to make opera appeal to a wider audience, missed.

I don't think judge is the right word, but people do use cultural references and its not nice to always look blank because you are missing these references. I personally see that as my responsibility to ensure my children have this cultural capital. Its up to you if you don't think its important, but many people do and it might mean they will feel uncomfortable in many social situations and also cultivate the idea that certain art forms are for "others" and the elite.

To me some of this is general knowledge.

Ifailed, whether or not the performance was specifically designed for TV, acting on stage is a totally different kettle of fish to acting for TV or film. You have to go big with the expressions/gestures for one, scale right down for the other. I can only think of a handful of opera singers who come over really well on screen, because it's such a different way of working.