I am planning to get tickets to see the American Ballet on the Lincon Center on June the 29 th or the 30 th evening 8 pm. I will go with my daughter and wife to Swan Lake.

My questions are:

1. Is it a good time and plan for a 7-years-girl?
2. What seats should I look for that are not so expensive?
3.We are tourist and are concerned with the attire code becouse we are traveling light not much luggage? Is it businesss casual okay?

Thank you very much

Business casual fine. Does your child like ballet? It is full length so might be long for first experience. Big house so get best tickets you can afford. Seating plan online.

I go in my jeans and have been for the last thirty years for the winter concerts. I did wear a suit once year when we went to opening night.

Dress code is not an issue as long as you are neat and clean. You will not see much more than business casual - unless you are going to a Frist Night or a charity gala.

I agree that a full length ballet might be a lot for a 7 year old - unless she does dance herself and knows what to expect. (My mom started taking me when I was 5 - but I loved dance.)

I prefer to watch ballets from up a level or two. I think the perspective is better than orchestra seats. As far foward and center as your pocketbook will allow.

Thanks a lot DebitNM, nytraveler, Aduchamp1 and Elainee I appreciate your comments and recommendations. Regards

Saldarj - Just my two cents about bringing a 7 year old. We were just at the Australian Ballet's Swan Lake at LC last weekend. It was a matinee and there were several young children sitting near us (7, 8 and I would guess 9). From overhearing the parents speaking, all were students of ballet. Although they were very well behaved and quiet, they could not sit still by the second act and were no longer engaged by the ballet. I don't think their parents were enjoying themselves either because the kids were in their laps, moving around and just restless. Of course, every child is different, but I don't think their behavior was out of the ordinary. And if a child wants to talk, people sitting nearby are really intolerant. Of course, you know your child best, but this is what I've observed over many, many years at the ballet (and taking my own son when he was very young).

I was at the ABT at the Met last week. Dress code wise, as long as you look clean/decent, you'll be fine. I saw lots of young ladies (in their 20s) in super-short skirts and 5"heels, guess that's the dress code for that age group.

As for seats, do get the most expensive ones you can afford. I sat in Dress Circle ($85) and still thought it was far away. I think side Orchestra will offer a much better view for not much more $.

I just want to point out, Swan Lake runs about 2 1/2 hours. Each act is roughly an hour with a 20 minute intermission. So if it starts at 8PM, it will be 10:30 when its over. Seems long and late for a 7 year old. Perhaps you would do better with a matinee?

It seems that I have to think it over before taking the kid to the ABT, any sugesstions instead of it are welcome? Thanks

Perhaps you can take her to a b'way musical? Something like Mary Poppins or Wicked?

FWIW, if your daughter really wants to see Swan Lake, the June 29th eve cast should NOT be missed: with Polina Semionova and David Hallberg. They are both phenomenal!

If she really like dance - Swan Lake is no longer than a Broadway musical. Is she interested in dance? Taking lessons? Has she seen any on TV? If not, can you get a DVD and show it to her to see how she reacts. I definitely think you would have to explain the story to her before you go,

I agree with yk about a Broadway musical - maybe the Lion KIng. I think Broadway can be an awesome experience for a child.