Things to Prepare you for the Performance

American Ballet Theatre’s Mission:Tocreate, topresent, topreserveand toextendthe great repertoire of classical dancing, through exciting performances and educational programming of the highest quality, presented to thewidest possible audience.

Here are some things to observe and heighten your senses:

I. Observe how the section of the ballet begins and ends. Are the performers already on stage or do they make an entrance? What is the mood or image at the beginning of each piece? Does it change? How does each piece end?

II. How do the costume designs and color choices support the mood and intent of each dance? Included with costumes are hats and shoes, or a choice of bare feet.

III. Listen closely to the music. What sounds do you hear? What instruments? What is the style of the music? What mood is evoked by the music?

IV. Notice the lighting choices. How do the color choices of the lighting create different moods?

V. Feel the emotions communicated. Think about the meaning for you. Do images, thoughts or memories come up in your mind?

American Ballet Theatre, Don Quixote. Photo by Karsten Moran for The New York Times.