AIBU to ask the Hivemind how dressy to go to the ballet?

[mbosnz]

Taking DD to the Royal Ballet in London for her birthday - do people tend to dress up for this? And if so, how much? Any and all advice much appreciated in advance!

Oh god, I'd LOVE the opportunity to wear a ball gown to the theatre!!

I used to go fairly frequently from work, so smart casual. But some people have dressed up, others haven't.In general, the pricier the ticket, the more dressed up (I went to the standing tickets, a great range of people who genuinely adore ballet but can't afford anything more expensive - the most knowledgeable and friendly bunch you can find)

I used to go the ROH in the cheap seats (sideslips) in either what I'd worn to work or at the weekend, smart jeans with knee high boots. There isn't actually a dress code but smart casual should be ok.

I think for the ROH it also depends where you're sitting. Stalls and posh circle, dress up. Back of the top balcony, people won't dress up as much (and as far as I remember they'd use different doors and back stairs and not use the same foyer).

But yes, for little girls at their first big ballet trip, dress up a bit, it's fun!

I go a lot. Ballet less dressy than opera. Triple bills/new ballers less dressy than full trad ballets. Weekend audiences are often more out of town and more ‘dressed up’. Midweek lots are straight from work.
Having said all of that wear exactly what you want. I have gone in jeans often (Linbury, not main stage I think). Also dressed up for no good reason really. People really do wear a range of things. Young girls are often spotted in frilly ballet things because they are over-excited. Galas and eg Russian galas - well the Russians do dress up !!

And don’t worry about where you are sitting dress-wise. I’m always in stalls circle or grand tier - exact same lack of any dress code other than not downright tatty as balcony and amphi.

4ft 10 here....Fold up your coat and sit on it. Makes all the difference, honest!

Glad to see so many posters have been to see ‘Manon’. I also saw it recently (about my tenth time), it is magnificent but definitely not for children!
I always sit in the Stalls Circle at ROH as that does give you a bit of height above the Stalls. Being another short arse!
Do dress smartly, there are so few places now for dressing up and I love to see the children in their Sunday Best. Makes more of the occasion for them.

Sadly it’s none the done thing to ‘dress’ for anything these days. Smart but very clearly casual is the way to go if you want to look like you’re a cool person who does this stuff all the time. On the other hand if you don’t care how you look wear whatever you want (well, not a ski ensemble or a thong bikini but within reason).

@springydaff that’s so annoying (not least of all because a lady leaves her hat on surely?!)

Ushers will be asked (by the people behind) to deal with anyone keeping a hat on !

Ime, if you get very dressed up, it marks you out as someone that doesn't go much, or it's their first time. Regulars are pretty casual.

I tend to go smart casual but anything other than work uniform or pjs is dressed up for me. Last time I saw Swan Lake the audience booed pantomime style every time Von Rothbart appeared on stage.

Evening performances dressier than matinées. Stalls, boxes and up to grand tier dressier than balcony and amphitheatre. The slips are the most casual of all and need very comfortable clothes. The amphitheatre is steep so avoid heels.

I would wear 'going out clothes' because for me it would be a special occasion but at Christmas in particular there will be the full spectrum from long dresses to jeans.