30 replies to this topic

[Alexandra]

Welcome, Lara.  What good questions you have!

There are a lot of people who post here who are enthusiastic members of the Fourth Ring  Society, so please listen to them and not me, who is afraid of heights and would be miserable up there.  You are far from the stage, but if you bring opera glasses, you should be able to see the dancers.

I don't know about student rush -- I'm sure someone else does.

"Swan Lake" is a problem.  One could argue (and many have!) that there isn't a solid production of the ballet anywhere today.  I think the objections raised here are from those who feel that Balanchine and Kirstein founded a company that specialized in dong innovative, one-act works and not the classics.  Others, who are fans of the 19th century classics, think that NYCB's style and approach isn't what's called for in those ballets.  American Ballet Theatre is more associated with the 19th century ballets -- although their production of "Swan Lake" has its detractors as well.  We did a poll here, I think, asking people which they liked least.  Most of the responses have been along the lines of, "Well, ours isn't as bad as theirs."  

All of this is very cynical to a newcomber to ballet, I know, and please don't let us scare you off.  What will matter most is the DANCERS and you're bound to find some that you like.  Once you get hooked, then you can start comparing performances, and buying videos, and reading background material, and nit pick with the best of them

But it's absolutely great that you're going to see ballet -- we'll all applaud that, and encourage it.  And adventurous of you, too!  New York is a terrific city (I can say that because I don't live there) and there's lots to do and see.

[Hans]

If you don't mind using opera glasses, the fourth ring is ok, but it is very high up.  

NYCB's Swan Lake is a very unusual production.  It either replaces or modifies the traditional choreography, and the ending is unconventional.  It's interesting to compare it to other productions, but for the "gold standard" Swan Lake, I'd try to see the Kirov-Mariinsky or maybe the Royal Ballet.  I'm not too sure what other companies' Swan Lakes are like these days (except ABT's--very untraditional in many ways as well), but others can fill you in on that, as there may be some companies in the US (more accessible) with a good production of Swan Lake.  

Hope this helps!

Editing to add:  Sorry!  Didn't realize I was writing while Alexandra was posting.  Swan Lake is a bit like Nutcracker--nobody really likes absolutely everything about any version, but I've heard that there are a few decent productions out there.  And as Alexandra said, reading will help a great deal .

[Alexandra]

Second thoughts -- ABT is about to open a three-week season at City Center.  They have weekend matinees, too, and though they're not doing any full-length classics this season, their triple bills will give you a taste of a lot of different styles of ballet, so you might want to check them as well.  The season's schedule is posted over on our ABT forum.

I hope you'll be seeing Pennsylvania Ballet performances, too, and if you are, please post about them!

[Dale]

LaraF,

I belong to the Fourth Ring and I love it.  It allows me to see the most performances, which I wouldn't be able to do otherwise.  Because of that, we Fourth Ringers really get to know the company.  It is true, it's far away - I've heard many people climb the stairs, look back and say, "Oh God."  But if you bring some opera or small field glasses, as I do, seeing the dancers up close it not a problem.  In addition, with Balanchine, it's great to see the patterns, something you won't get in the orchestra and the sightlines are great.  The fourth ring is where the student and standing room seats are.  You can move around after the program starts, but you can not go from the 4th ring to the 2nd, for example, without some covert action.  The ushers at the lower levels have become more strict than in seasons past.  However, I usually advise newcomers to the ballet to get tickets for 1 night at the best they can afford to see if they like it.  And don't be lured by the lower prices for sides, it's often partial view.  If you're going to NYCB, I would avoid Swan Lake, as it's staging is an acquired taste.  I know the company is pushing the full-lengths during the Winter season under the guise of how it formed the basis of Balanchine's work (but that's a post for another time), but there are some very exciting triple bills and the full-length Jewels this Winter.  The first two weeks has Scotch Symphony, Tschaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2, Concerto Barocco as well as others.  

As for Swan Lake, I don't know how it will turn out but Penn Ballet is putting on a new production next June.  

If "classical works" are your thing, ABT might be best, although I think the Balanchine/Danilova is Coppelia is the best around and Balanchine's Nutcracker is, well, the One IMO.  The ABT Fall season is a little more experiemental, but this season they are doing some great older works we around here are always hankering for, such as Symphonic Variations by Ashton and Three Virgins and a Devil by De Mille.  

One thing you should know, 4th ring society does not cover the Nutcracker.  But Penn Ballet also does Balanchine's Nutcracker, so you shouldn't have to travel far.

[carbro]

Hi, Lara!  I'm one of those 4th Ring Society members Alexandra mentioned.  I actually prefer sitting fairly high above the stage, because the patterns the dancers make are often an important part of the ballet.  It's not like figure skating, where whether the landing is on and inside/outside edge is so crucial.  Opera glasses help, but I find I use them much less often than I used to.  When I win many millions in Lotto, I will probably move to the third ring.  The sight lines (except for the seats called __Ring Sides), are excellent.

NYCB does a lovely Coppelia and Nutcracker, and the Sleeping Beauty has some quirks, but I would advise avoiding their full length Swan.

A warning about ABT at City Center:  the ticket prices are high -- the cheapest being $30.  Sometimes, when the house is pretty fully sold, they open the upper balcony for $15 (?) per seat.  Unfortunately, the only way to know this is at the last minute by phone or at the box office.  The sight lines in that house are troublesome, too B) , but the chance to see a variety of pieces is a good way to dip your toes in, if you'll pardon my metaphor.    (My personal recommendation for a well-rounded first time is the "Masterworks" program. )

Editing to note that although Dale and I posted almost the same thing at almost the same time, we are not the same person.

Edited by carbro, 16 October 2003 - 11:03 AM.

[Dale]

Carbro, you know the saying about great minds...

I'd second the thought on the City Center prices and the sightlines are awful - unless you are sitting first row Balcony, you might not even see the stage depending on the height of the person in front.

Being a Fourth Ring Society Member can make you spoiled - I get used to seeing so many performances for a reduced price and in a great space.  I might be able to find away to get cheaper prices but the view isn't as good.  

And I endorse Carbro thoughts on Sleeping Beauty, I think NYCB's production is very fine, especially with Ringer in the lead.

[Treefrog]

We took a chance on Fourth Ring seats last summer when we visited NYC.  We were glad we did!  Even though you are too far from the stage to see nuances and expressions, the ability to take in the choreography more than makes up for that.

My advice would be to try it.  If you like it, you can see lots of performances very cheaply.

One other suggestion I have is to try a variety of ballets.  I always thought I liked the story ballets best.  When I got a chance to see lots of ballet in a short time (on that trip to NYC), I found that I very much preferred the more abstract works.

[koshka]

There is only one way to find out how _you_ will like the 4th ring, and that's to try it.  I do vaguely recall being up that high and not liking the view _at all_--I also like to be right up front, even if I'm off to the side or have an obstructed view.

Do try the student rush specials if they have them (don't know anything about this)--the seats may well be closer, and of course if you're on the main floor, it is probably a lot easier to stealthily move up.

Another idea, if you can possibly afford it, is to get a subscription (maybe they have student subscriptions?) to the very best/closest seats you can.  I did this in Boston as a graduate student and it was worth every penny.

[Juliet]

Student Rush tickets are often better for seating--but at $2 cheaper than 4th Ring Society, not that much of a draw.  You can generally get  quite good Rush seats if you just get a single.....you can always ask and see what's better availability.
I am blind as a bat and love 4th Ring.  Just use opera glasses or binoculars if you want particular faces or to count the hooks and eyes on the costumes.

Nutcracker tickets for standing room are only $5, don't forget.  

City Center prices are steep--I'd say hold out til the spring and go to ABT at the Met, where you can get good standing room.

I heartily dislike many aspects of NYCB Swan Lake, but don't consider it at all worthy of boycott.  Just close your eyes during the first act.  (It balances out:  ABT *has* no 4th act, to speak of......)

[BW]

Well, LaraF, you've certainly gotten some wonderful encouragement here. Really, you have very little to lose by at least trying the fourth ring.

I had never been up there before but when Treefrog and spouse made their sojourn to NYC for a long ballet weekend, I joined them up in the 4th ring and my eyes were opened  :yes: - I'd never have seen the intricate patterns of Robbin's pieces without being up high! And "West Side Story Suite" looked great from there too - but bring your binoculars for sure.  

And please don't forget to report back here with your reactions! :grinning: Oh yes, and definitely go see the Pennsylvania Ballet right in your own backyard. They have quite a line up and if you look you'll find quite a bit about them in the American Ballet Companies forum on Ballet Talk. Or just click here instead!

[KayDenmark]

Like Carbro, I prefer the Fourth Ring at the New York State Theater, particularly when watching some of the more abstract Balanchine ballets.

The patterns are lovely, and you get a sense of the overall force of the ballet without being distracted by silly things that have less to do with the dance than the personality of the dancers - ie "What's wrong with his hair?" or "Oh, did she get engaged?"

[Manhattnik]

For $12/ticket, you can't beat the Fourth Ring Society.

Yes, you're a bit far away, but the sightlines are great. I would, however, absolutely invest in a good pair of binoculars. Wide-angle, if possible.

Considering what movies go for, and what the "cheap" seats go for at most other ballet venues, it's a tremendous bargain. Sure, I'd like to sit in the front row center of First Ring every night, but until I win the lottery it's not going to happen.

[nysusan]

Hi Laura!  I would try the 4th ring - it's a great value! These days I prefer to sit closer to the stage but I sat in the 5th ring (sides) at the NY State Theater for the first several years of ballet going (a long time ago).  Though I now prefer a more close up view  I was certainly happy with those seats in the beginning, and the overhead view does give you a wonderful appreciation for the patterns that you never get sitting in the orchestra.  

I think ABT's City Center repertory is wonderful this year. I'd try either the "Masterworks" or the matinee program if you can afford to buy orchestra, grand tier or mid mezzanine seats. The advice you've been getting about the sight lines is correct - some seats have horrible views.  In addition to the balcony (gallery) beware of rear mezzanine seats.  With the exception of the first row (row J) you lose most of the stage from many of the seats - really not worth going to City Center if you can't afford the better seats      

Re: Swan Lake - I would NOT recommend the NYCB version. Although the dancers I saw were wonderful I found the production's modern sensibility really detracted from my enjoyment of the performance. Since you've never seen Swan Lake I think it makes sense to start  with a traditional version so you can see why it became a classic that is still being performed after over 100 years. I have never seen the Kirov's Swan Lake but I've heard that it's one of the 2 or 3 "gold standard"  traditional versions.  They will be performing it at the Kennedy Center at the end of December- beginning of January.  I don't know how long a trip it is from Philly to DC, but I'm planning to take the train from NY and see 4 performances over a weekend...