Lauren

What a bizarre response. Nope, not the board for me. Goodbye.

While I have tried to contribute to this conversation in a way that offers another perspective while remaining polite and gracious (as though we were all in pre-covid times- perhaps having a congenial debate/discussion) at a theater...it seems that it's not really possible. While it's not gotten ugly yet, it seems that the conversation has turned from "what's going on with covid/theater" to "this is the way you should think"; so I'll bow out with these last thoughts and then be done: 1). Canbelto: (notice, I am politely refraining from using your real name). I find it very creepy that you've gone to lengths to attempt to research where I live. It's not considered polite behavior to do that on these boards (I believe there is a sticky up about that if you are not aware of the rules). I will be complaining to the moderators, and ask that you amend your post to be in line with expectations on this board. Also: I departed Latvia for a job in another country. it is in Eastern Europe and while I don't care if you want to spend time guessing, I don't expect you to do it in public. Creepy. Please be polite and don't dox. Highly inappropriate. I also don't know that the publication you write for (and add to your profile here) would appreciate your unprofessional conduct in this manner. Yes: I fully realize the vaccine push is to...well, push the vaccine. This is a debate that we are all familiar with. It was my understanding that this board was to discuss the impact of the covid stuff specifically on theater/ballet performance and attendance. Everyone gets vaccinated or not, for their own reasons. For the person who used the bog standard line of why being vaccinated essentially makes you a good and noble person; that's fine if you believe that. You're entitled to your belief for you...but not for anyone else. Like it or not, many people will not be vaccinated unless it makes life easier for them; meaning you can do things that you can't without getting it. If, however, you can't do those things anyway because they get cancelled...well, if you weren't going to get the thing in the first place, the incentive is gone. And I'm done. Be well.

It's never going to be possible to please everyone. There are some people that would prefer there to be no restrictions- and there are some people that don't feel it's safe for live theater (or any gatherings- regardless of precautions) to be happening. There are also, as Helene mentions, HUGE differences between countries in terms of what is allowed, and cultural expectations. But I don't see how a vaccine requirement for audiences has the slightest impact on audience attendance. It certainly doesn't in Russia or the UK, and would be laughable where I live (and attend our national theater often). It's also not considered socially acceptable to ask people whether or not they are vaccinated. If you are required to show a green pass to enter a venue, that's one thing, but cultural expectations differ widely. Here it would be considered extremely odd, and sort of rude to ask, unless it came up in general conversation. It is an interesting question about lower audience capacity...... in our state theaters, every other seat is left empty. As a state funded theater, this is possible; likely it's not for Broadway. But of course, for those of us who are skeptical of the vaccine stuff to begin with, the obvious question comes to mind (JUST like with the airlines)....why does social distancing (which is comfortable for people.... but financially less comfortable for organizations) important everywhere except in places where packing in more people means more money, and then suddenly....masks and vaccines (which *some* people find highly objectionable, and are physically intrusive for the customer- to various degrees...I am aware that many people don't mind masks and will happily wear them- that's great, but not everyone feels that way) suddenly become ESSENTIAL. Most people can see through all this, and It makes it impossible (at least for me) to believe any line about "your safety is our top priority" when clearly it's "follow the rules that we have set out.... that do not hurt our bottom line." I fully realize many people believe in and want these sorts of restrictions, and I'm glad enough do that will hopefully keep things going.- everywhere I'm just pointing out that there is another perspective and there are other ways of doing things than snap closures because of one positive test.....that might never have been an issue at all had there not been required, regular testing. If testing didn't happen unless there was an actual illness, that would certainly result in less of these closures. At this point, I don't see any respected scientific figure pretending that this thing is going to disappear- even New Zealand has given up on that. I don't have the scientific knowledge to what's" right" and what's "wrong,"..... but I do think one way is far, far, far more harmful to the art form of ballet, and theater in general. At some point, we have to move on. But if it takes years to come to that point, one does wonder what the cost will be.

I did, that is true. I do not believe vaccine requirements are reasonable for entry into a theater....and as we are actively seeing...they DO NOT WORK in terms of allowing the show to go on. Not a scientist, but in general; I accept the general idea that vaccines prevent serious hospitalization for the vaccinated person. But if you've had the virus and aren't afraid of getting it again....the only reason is to "protect others" (which doesn't actually apply since the vaccine doesn't prevent transmission or breakthrough infection)....or to box check and be able to do things. But if you can't do things anyway- it's a huge flag in the "why bother" camp. Other countries don't vaccine force, and the ones that are doing so are getting heavy pushback. In the UK, Russia- no need to show medical info to go to the theater. I am hardly alone in this opinion...If the knee jerk "oh, God, a positive test- life must shut down!" is still with us- then shows will still be cancelled despite getting vaccinated, and so the "abundance of caution" stuff is going to cause more problems than it's going to prevent, especially if the goal is to push vaccines on everyone. Open or don't open, but the knee jerk closings are going to just make some people say "I'm not bothering with theaters/companies that do this. and why get a vaccine since it doesn't matter in terms of what matters to me?" Naturally, others have the right to disagree. I agree vaccines have a place and can play a positive role;... indeed, a more positive role when they are encouraged and offered freely and easily..but not forced. Once you start forcing something, people draw lines, and it is going to limit uptake for people for whom it's not forced. This is just a difference of opinion, politely expressed. I do understand that those who are vaccine passionate can have a hard time with the reality that they can't shame or control others into getting it. What I do hope is that the theaters stop being a flashpoint for these arguments.

I found it disappointing- it would have been much better to have more positive ballet stories (we desperately need those- especially from someone who has enjoyed a dream career) and less of a self- help feel. It also felt written at more of a YA level, but that could have been the intent, of course. But overall a nice book, especially for young dancers.

I understand (as much as a non- medical person can) about the vaccines and masks- so don't need anything explained about how important they are. But I will say, that as someone who is skeptical of the value of both...these cancellations are doing quite a bit of harm to the "vaccine and mask = safety" cause. To be honest, it seems really, really pointless.... since clearly people are getting infected anyway..... and shows are cancelling...anyway. Yes, I know the vaccine, is meant to keep people from getting seriously ill (but it doesn't sound like there have been any cases of SERIOUS illness in these theaters that have cancelled shows). But if you aren't worried about this (for whatever reason)- these cancellations indicate there is no reason to be vaccinated; as many people are only vaccinating because it allows them to do things. If they can't do them anyway, and don't want it...there's no reason to bother. It seems that "abundance of caution" is going to become the next "wear a mask for others". I live in a country where masks are not expected during exercise, and dancers in our national theater do not wear them when dancing (they are meant to wear them going into the theater, but there is a lot of chin wearing). Very little testing unless required for travel or someone is actually ill. We have had a total of zero cancelled performances. Hospitals not overwhelmed. I point this out only to make the point that there IS another way- and also that as dance is so international, many dancers in non- US countries are not wearing masks in studios, so their social media will reflect that- they aren't breaking rules.

what's up with the no intermission? I assume it's a covid thing- but is this being done for other NYC shows, B'way etc? or just an NYBC thing?

https://www.royalalberthall.com/plan-your-visit-essential-safety-information/visiting-during-covid-health-and-safety-faqs/ https://www.roh.org.uk/visit-us/attending-a-performance-safely Tourism depends on so many factors- obviously many people want restrictions, but there are others that aren't interested in returning until the theatrical experience is normalized. Going to the ballet or any theatrical event is should always be enjoyable, and if it's not, people won't spend money on the experience. Seems London, despite having gone through one of the most restrictive lockdowns in the world, is working with a different approach.

Quite a few. It seems masks are used in life (and, if I understand correctly) in the Mariinsky when not actively dancing/rehearsing, etc. at least in some areas. No idea how or if it's enforced at all, or if they've moved past it. But sure, the dancers follow the rules just like anywhere else. They are a bit more relaxed about the whole mask thing in Russia and Eastern Europe, but people still wear them. Plus, Mariinsky also has several dancers from countries where masks are more common. I didn't mean to imply they weren't wearing masks at all- just not using them in the studio or stage.

I can't imagine there is any chance Mariinsky will mask for performances. Ever. This company performed during air raids during the war, and shivered in tiny tutus and white sweaters when the theater was unheated during the Revolution. Art is always going to come first, safety and fear second. They never have mask forced in the studio (though required it other places, like all business) and I think, never will, no matter what happens. A few dancers have mentioned trying it and finding horrible and impossible- I won't give names as it's from their social media. . The company doesn't train or rehearse in them, and never have (some dancers, but very few) do use them in the studios but are often from other countries. My guess is either it would be cancelled or they'd accept the Russian vaccine, and place tighter controls on not letting them out and about. Has anyone without a paywall seen what is being done with the SAB kiddos in terms of Nutcracker? I know there was something in NY Times but couldn't read it. Add a little extra element "who will be Marie"!

I can't imagine any company allowing dancers to chose for themselves whether to mask during a performance, and having some masked and some not- the world hasn't changed quite that much. It won't be the wishes of the dancers; it will be decided for them and dictated. I imagine the option is not to be cast/perform would be given if they are truly afraid. I agree- would not pay a cent to watch dancers in masks- especially given all of the other mitigation strategies that are being used. Singers and Broadway performers aren't masking, nor are they used in the other types of returning professional theater, and so hopefully that trend will die out fast.... though it seems it may continue with young people and youth dance groups. I think there's a difference, (even for those who believe very, very strongly in masks) from wearing one in day to day life vs. wearing it while performing. It entirely destroys the fourth wall and any sense of magic and theatricality, and for some of us, is just uncomfortable and unpleasant to watch, even on a screen, much less in real life. I really admire the dancers that are continuing to push through with all this. It's got to be very difficult and so good to see that they are at least pushing forward with more normal seasons.

It will be interesting to see how all these play out and how carefully this stuff is checked as time goes on. I've probably attended my last performance in the US (unless this stuff gets rolled back if things ever calm down). Very sad, but have come to terms with it. Interested to see how BB handles this given that their mayor isn't supportive of this sort of thing. I think those making these decisions are between a rock and a hard place- they will lose some patrons either way, and they have to try to lose the least amount, and, right now, they are banking on losing less with this policy. Interesting to see if ticket prices go up or not. It seems like most folks here see this as being a positive direction to go in, and while I don't, am glad that it seems most people want this stuff- which hopefully means they will ultimately lose fewer ticket holders than they would, had they been more relaxed. Ultimately, I just want the art form to go on, even if I choose to view live productions in Russia only from now on. (The US does not seem to acknowledge proof of "recovery" as we do in Europe, which makes it a bit easier). Great to see that by and large all are moving forward with seasons!