I remember the sense of amazement and wonder I had when I first saw the Nutcracker at age 3. I also remember feeling like it was just a little scary...
So I want to take my 2.5 year old this year, but am worried that it might be too much. Would you take your toddler?
bananas / 9118 posts
I think a matinee would be fine, they are usually much more kid friendly and understanding of any noise. I remember being enthralled by the Pacific Northwest Ballet's PBS performance at an early age.
I would shoot for a matinee and try to sit either in the back or on an aisle for a quick escape if needed. I think just having a parent's hand to hold would help to get through the rat king's parts.
pomelo / 5178 posts
I remember the first time I saw it live and it was amazing! I was 6.
DD has done well with the bits and pieces she has seen on YouTube videos, so I think she'd be ok. Can you show Lala some of the "scarier" scenes (like the mouse war) on YouTube videos and see how she reacts to that? If she seems fine you can take her to the full length show!
honeydew / 7488 posts
I took DD to a modern dance performance of a relative at that age and she did pretty well despite it being in the evening. I agree with lemondrop that matinee might be less stressful, and also maybe a local company so you don't spend a ton of money. My DD would definitely be scared of the scary parts despite being 4, so maybe just prepare her in advance. Have fun!
GOLD / wonderful grape / 20289 posts
I think it just depends on the kid. I went at age two and loved it. But my lo is sooooo different than I was! She could never ever sit still for that. My mom and I have gone every year since I was two. Every year there are young kids talking through the whole thing, and its pretty annoying. We spend a lot of money on those tickets and we want to enjoy the ballet. Some talking is understandable, but the entire ballet is not ok. So I always said I wouldn't take my lo until she was old enough so sit quietly.
pomegranate / 3244 posts
My mom took me to ballet west shows as long as I can remember. I always loved them! We always did the matinee. You should look into the sugar plum parties, they were so fun (but I think we started going to those at 4 or 5). But I say take her! It will be fun!
clementine / 943 posts
Is there a local company that does an abbreviated version? PNB does one every year for little kids. Having danced in the Nutcracker and sat through it many times, it's LONG- particularly the second act. I would personally wait one more year and maybe just show her it on a rented DVD this year.
blogger / pineapple / 12381 posts
I don't know about shortened versions.
Indeed, for us it's Ballet West.
I showed her the Rat War on YouTube today and she said, "Mama, I'm not scared of the rats. I'm cute of the rats. And the little girl bopped the rat on the head!" She has been twirling around the house all day pretending to be the Sugar Plum Fairy. Thanks for the suggestion to preview it with her!
We think we're going to go for it. She's a pretty mature kid and I can always take her to the lobby for a little while if she needs it.
blogger / pineapple / 12381 posts
@808love: We're starting ballet at the Tanner Dance Center in January, so I thought this would be a great introduction 
pomelo / 5866 posts
@Mrs. Jacks: cool! dd is loving the solo part and the holding hands in a circle part. she still only listens half the time but the teacher is fine with it.
I used to love going to the Nutcracker when I was little too. She is very mature and brave with the rats. Sounds like she is ready!
blogger / pineapple / 12381 posts
Post script: full toddler success! Perhaps I'll blog about how we made it work
bananas / 9118 posts
I was just thinking about this when I heard some music from the Nutcracker today, glad to hear it went well! I'm excited for next year for an even more aware toddler so we can try it out!
| Today | Monthly Record | |
|---|---|---|
| Topics | 1 | 0 |
| Posts | 0 | 1 |
Ask for Help
Make a Suggestion
Frequently Asked Questions
Bee Levels
Acronyms
Most Viewed Posts
Hellobee Gold
Hellobee Recipes
Hellobee Features
Hellobee Contests
Baby-led Weaning
Bento Boxes
Breastfeeding
Newborn Essentials
Parties
Postpartum Care Essentials
Sensory Play Activities
Sleep Training
Starting Solids Gear
Transitioning to Toddler Bed
All Series
Who We Are
About the Bloggers
About the Hostesses
Contributing Bloggers
Apply to Blog
Apply to Hostess
Submit a Guest Blog
Hellobee Buttons
How We Make Money
Community Policies
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
12 comments