Want to take DD to see Nutcracker - which one to book?

[Rugbylovingmum]

DD1 is five and has been doing ballet for a couple of years. She loves going to see any live show and is very good at sitting quietly and watching. We went to see Northern Ballet's Elves and the Shoemaker last year which she loved and I am taking her to see My First Swan Lake in May which she is beyond excited about - she has been begging to see Swan Lake for ages. We are also going to see Wicked over the summer so I'll see how she does with a longer show but I'm not too worried.

I am thinking about booking The Nutcracker for later in the year - I think she is ready for a longer performance and she knows the story of The Nutcracker. We have two choices - we live in York and there is a production by The Russian State Ballet and Opera House in York in October or we could see Northern Ballet's Nutcracker in Leeds in December. Obviously the one in York would be easier to get to so no travel time but I think the Northern Ballet one might be more family friendly. As a company they seem really keen to involve kids and families but I haven't been to any other ballets so I don't really know how they compare. Plus it is closer to christmas so would be a nice treat for the holiday.

Any opinions from more experienced mums???

I'd go for the Northern Ballet one - we saw it a few years ago and it was lovely. They usually have children from their training programme taking part in the performance as well.

They're not touring it at the moment, but if anyone decides to go and see Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker it is a completely different version and would be better for older children.

Thanks taxi4ballet, that was the one I was drawn to but wondered if it was worth the extra travel. We can go for lunch and explore a bit afterwards so she doesn't go straight from sitting in the show to sitting on the train. I'm quite excited about it :). I love the theatre (DD gets that from me) and it's lovely that she is old enough to see shows we can enjoy together rather than just Peppa Pig Live etc. I just don't want to rush her into longer shows for my sake and put her off. Does 6 seem a good age for The Nutcracker?

6 sounds perfect - Christmas, children, a party, snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the villain gets their come-uppance... what's not to like?!!

Northern Ballet also sometimes do children's ballet workshops at the theatres as part of their tour, so keep an eye on their website.

Perfect, she will love it. Thanks. Have you seen any of the My First ballets? I was really pleased when I saw it advertised as she wants to see Swan Lake but she is too young for the proper version. I hope its good - she has been asking every day whether they will wear 'proper sticky out tutu's' :)

I'll definitely keep an eye out for any workshops. DD is often shy but her dance classes have been great for her confidence - she has a fantastic teacher. She had her first exam yesterday and I was worried she would burst into tears or freeze but she skipped in smiling and came bouncing back out very pleased with herself. I'm sure she'd enjoy the workshops too.

No - we haven't been to see any of the 'My first..' series as dd is nearly 16 now!

I can see they wouldn't really be her thing

NORTHERN BALLET every time for me! There is also a Scottish Ballet production of Nutcracker touring the North at the moment as well, not sure if that stops near you, but I've heard it's fantastic.

Thanks danceteacheruk - I've booked tickets for Northern Ballet between christmas and New Year. I'm really looking forward to it and just hope DD1 enjoys it too.