Nanarina Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I was wondering what the situation is concerning dancers leaving the theatre before the final curtain. If it was a mixed bill of more than one ballet, would the principal dancers if in say the first two works be allowed to leave before the final curtain. Or would their attendance be required that they stay right until the end.to comply with the hours they need to work. Although I should know this having worked with The Royal Ballet I cannot remember what was the norm. Please jog my memory. Thanks. Link to comment
Birdsall Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I am pretty sure that if they are not needed for any more works the rest of the night that they take their bows after their portion and go home. That is how opera is at least. Characters in the first act (and not in the rest) tend to go home. Link to comment
Helene Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I'm not sure why dancers of any rank who aren't in the final curtain calls, covering, or with another obligation (post-performance Q&A, gala party) would need to stay after their last ballet. I would think companies would want the dancers to get as much rest as possible instead of staying around the theater, unless they wanted to watch their peers, since many describe that it takes them hours to come down from a performance, and they still have to be back in class the next morning. Link to comment
Jayne Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I think they only stay if they are alternates for roles in the still-to-come productions. So if someone gets injured at the last moment, they can fill in. Link to comment
LiLing Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 If a dancer is learning a role in the last ballet they might be expected to stay and watch, but normally they can leave when they are finished performing. Link to comment
Nanarina Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share Posted October 31, 2013 Thank you for your thoughts. Link to comment
sandik Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 Part of this is just the individual culture of the company -- I've been told that at PNB, dancers will often stay to support their colleagues, especially if someone is making a debut or there's something else special about the performance. Link to comment
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