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Hope this new thread is welcome... though starting with sad news: According to her Facebook account, Polina Semionova will leave Berlin State Ballet after this season - no idea so far where she's going. "Dear friends, I would like to announce that the 2011/12 season will be my last season at the Staatsballett Berlin. Sincerely, Polina"

Another quick question regarding another European company - I'm also not too sure where to post this! Does anyone have any tips/insights about seating for the Prague State Opera/National Theatre?

Moving this out of the "Germany ..." thread so it doesn't get lost among 3 dozen pages: Munich:

Hi all, Bit of a strange one for my first post here (also not sure if this is in the correct forum, sorry - please do move if not!) I'm a fairly new ballet fan, and I went to the opening night of Swan Lake in March and enjoyed myself so much that I have bought a last-minute ticket to go and see it again on Saturday evening. I wanted to be closer to the front to see a bit more of the acting side of things this time as was way up in the Amphitheatre last time, but the only ticket I could grab was a restricted view (it's seat C17 in the Stalls). It looks from the photo on the website that the view isn't actually that restricted at all, but was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on how much of the performance I'm likely to miss? Many thanks!

Hi all! First time creating a new topic here so I hope this is allowed - apologies in advance if not! I usually sit in the Ampitheatre but am wanting to treat myself to a nicer seat for The Winter's Tale, a ballet which I've really wanted to see for a few years now. Ideally I would like to be as close as possible to see facial expressions while still being able to see most of the dancing on stage, as this will be my first time seeing the ballet. I don't mind standing, bench seats etc. but am only average height and have found when I sit at the side of the first few rows of the Ampitheatre my view is often obstructed by heads. My budget (again, ideally!) is £100, which rules out the majority of the stalls and front of the first few tiers. Can any of you experienced ballet-goers recommend me a seat that might fit the bill? I'm aware I might be searching for the impossible here but any advice is much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Just hopping here to ask if anyone has recommendations on the most affordable with a good view seats at La Scala? Can't find a thread for it

I have managed to get hold of an orchestra stalls row C seat for RB Swan Lake- can anyone advise please as to if the view is good so close to the stage, are the dancers' feet visible or is it too close? I am quite short so hoping I'll still be able to see their feet!

Hi All! Hopefully this is in the correct forum, new to the site! Does anyone have any pictures of the view of the stage from the standing spots in the stalls circle at the Royal Opera House? Just trying to gauge if the Grand Tier above impacts the full view of the stage as I can only find the pictures from the Royal Opera House website and I feel like if you're leaning on the bar rather than fully standing you'd have a less obstructed view than what the Royal Opera House pictures show (FYI I'm in seats D36-39, not D7 per the picture I've included but I couldn't find a way to select any of these seats to show the view after purchase). Thanks!

We have fairly recently moved to Oxfordshire. We go to ROH fairly often and having lived and worked in London for a long time I know my way around this and other theatres and their surrounding areas. But I’m now only a 90 minute drive from Birmingham Hippodrome according to Google maps, and I’d like to go there to see BRB. Are there any good tips regarding seats, sight lines, sound lines (?) and parking? Also, what about food and drink - either inside the theatre or nearby. I know it’s only Birmingham not Caracas but I’d be grateful for any suggestions thank you

Hello forum members I’m thinking of buying seat C48 in the stalls circle it’s view is restricted by a pillar and it’s £70. Does anyone know how bad the view is from C48 and is it worth the £70 or should I avoid? Other options are row S or T of amphi which are £51 and £34 respectively, but I think these are too far back? Hoping some kind person can provide some information. Thank you.

Morning! I’m new here so I hope I’ve posted this question in the right place I am hoping to take my 8 year old to see the Nutcracker this Christmas. It’s a special treat so I’d really like to get the best possible seats so she can see everything. I’m thinking a matinee show so it’s not too late. i wondered where people would recommend sitting with a younger child? I imagine she might end up with someone tall in front of her if we sat in the stalls. And do the matinee tickets sell out very quickly on release day? Is it worth doing the tour as well? would really appreciate any advice! This is very new territory for me as she pulls me into her ballet world! thank you

Wondering if forum members can help with a decision - I have a SCS ticket(D2) and also managed to get C22 in Friday Rush, which I now see has a somewhat restricted view! Can anyone who has stood/sat in approximately these places advise which might be better?!! Very much appreciated!!

Okay, hoping this works (to some extent: posts on another thread indicate that the casting links may not be live yet). The thread also indicates some new hirings we may not have been aware of before. We’re excited to announce principal casting for all existing repertoire works returning in the upcoming Season: Akram Khan’s Giselle, Wayne Eagling’s Nutcracker, Mary Skeaping’s Giselle, and Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in-the-round. Casting for each of these productions is detailed below and on each production page on our website. We can’t wait to share these performances with you! Akram Khan's Giselle 19 – 21 Oct 2023, Palace Theatre Manchester 26 – 28 Oct 2023, Bristol Hippodrome Akram Khan's groundbreaking production returns to Manchester and Bristol for the first time since its inaugural tour in 2016, having astounded audiences across the world. The title role of Giselle will be danced by Lead Principals Fernanda Oliveira and Erina Takahashi, and Junior Soloist Emily Suzuki*. Albrecht will be performed by Lead Principal Aitor Arrieta, First Soloist James Streeter, and Junior Soloist Henry Dowden*. The role of Hilarion will be danced by First Soloist Ken Saruhashi, Soloist Erik Woolhouse, and Junior Soloist Victor Prigent*. Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, will be performed by Lead Principal Emma Hawes*, and First Artists Isabelle Brouwers and Angela Wood*. Daily casting can be viewed online via the links below. *debut in role in this production View casting Learn more Nutcracker 29 Nov – 2 Dec 2023, Mayflower Theatre Southampton 14 Dec 2023 – 7 Jan 2024, London Coliseum Wayne Eagling's festive classic will light up the stage again this winter, touring to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton before returning to the London Coliseum. Clara/Sugar Plum will be performed by Lead Principals Emma Hawes, Shiori Kase, Sangeun Lee*, Fernanda Oliveira and Erina Takahashi, Guest Artist Laurretta Summerscales, First Soloists Julia Conway and Katja Khaniukova, Soloist Precious Adams*, and Junior Soloists Ivana Bueno and Francesca Velicu. Nephew/Prince will be danced by Lead Principals Aitor Arrieta and Francesco Gabriele Frola, First Soloists Gareth Haw*, Daniel McCormick and Ken Saruhashi, Soloists Fernando Carratalá Coloma, Skyler Martin*, Lorenzo Trossello and Erik Woolhouse, Junior Soloist Vsevolod Maievskyi*, and First Artist Edvinas Jakonis*. The role of the Nutcracker will be portrayed by First Soloists Daniel McCormick and Junor Souza, Soloist Skyler Martin, Junior Soloists Henry Dowden, Noam Durand*, Rentaro Nakaaki and Victor Prigent*, and First Artists Matthew Astley, Miguel Angel Maidana* and Eric Snyder*. Dr Drosselmeyer will be performed by First Soloists Fabian Reimair, Junor Souza and James Streeter, Junior Soloist Henry Dowden, and First Artist Giorgio Garrett. Daily casting can be viewed online via the links below. *debut in role in this production View casting Learn more Mary Skeaping's Giselle 11 – 21 Jan 2024, London Coliseum Mary Skeaping's heartbreaking Romantic masterpiece will return to the London Coliseum for the first time since 2017. The title role of Giselle will be danced by Lead Principals Emma Hawes*, Shiori Kase*, Sangeun Lee*, Fernanda Oliveira and Erina Takahashi, and First Soloist Katja Khaniukova. Albrecht will be performed by Lead Principals Aitor Arrieta* and Francesco Gabriele Frola*, First Soloists Gareth Haw* and Ken Saruhashi, Soloist Fernando Carratalá Coloma*, and Junior Soloist Vsevolod Maievskyi*. Hilarion will be portrayed by First Soloists Fabian Reimair, Junor Souza* and James Streeter, Soloist Erik Woolhouse*, Junior Soloist Henry Dowden*, and First Artist Giorgio Garrett*. Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, will be danced by First Soloist Alison McWhinney, Soloist Precious Adams*, Junior Soloists Anna Nevzorova* and Emily Suzuki*, and First Artists Jung ah Choi and Angela Wood*. Daily casting can be viewed online via the links below. *debut in role in this production View casting Learn more Swan Lake in-the-round 12 – 23 Jun 2024, Royal Albert Hall Derek Deane's spectacular in-the-round production of the enduring classic returns to the splendour of the Royal Albert Hall in summer 2024. The dual roles of Odette/Odile will be performed by Lead Principals Emma Hawes*, Sangeun Lee* and Fernanda Oliveira, and Guest Artist Laurretta Summerscales. Prince Siegfried will be danced by Lead Principals Aitor Arrieta* and Francesco Gabriele Frola*, First Soloist Gareth Haw*, and Soloist Lorenzo Trossello*. The role of Rothbart will be portrayed by First Soloists Fabian Reimair, Junor Souza and James Streeter. Daily casting can be viewed online via the links below. *debut in role in this production View casting Learn more

DNB are going to be performing their new Raymonda again this December (pitching it as the perfect Christmas ballet which is interesting). I really want to see a traditional telling of the story so am seriously contemplating a couple of days in Amsterdam. Any recommendations for reasonably priced hotels local to the opera house? How small (and walkable) is Amsterdam? What is a must see other than Anne Frank's house and how does that work in terms of proximity to opera house area? Any help greatly appreciated. Editing to add: Any advice on auditorium seating would also be a help. I'd probably look at top 2 pricing tiers for this.

This is a useful thread! I was wondering if there's one for Dutch National Ballet main stage seating? I was thinking of going to see one of their performances for the first time, and unfortunately there's no seat views on the website! I was looking at Zaal oneven rij 1, stoel 7 Rang 2 Just in front of the podium, for Raymonda. I assume that's the equivalent of the ROH front row orchestra stalls?

The full season press release is too long to reproduce here but it is attached. ROH season.pdf

I am about to book tickets at the Opera Garnier for November triple bill by Paris Opera ballet. Please can I have some advice about where in the theatre is a good place to sit and any tips about visiting the opera house. Thank you

I've just returned from the opening night of R&J in Japan. Steven McRae and Sarah Lamb were in the principal roles. I think it's fair to say that it was a great opening to R&J with the audience giving it a very enthusiastic reception. The whole company were on top form with particular mentions for James Hay as Mercutio, Calvin Richardson as Benvolio and Gary Avis as Tybalt. The audience called Steven and Sarah back for multiple curtain calls (normal in Japan I think, for high profile productions such as this). I arrived yesterday as part of the RB tour supporters' party. Others have been here longer for the initial triple bill. From what I hear, that was immensely successful too. We went to a stage /costume rehearsal yesterday (Osipova/Clark) which was also work in progress. It's so interesting to see how adjustments have to be made for scenery and props, new (local) actors and also a local orchestra. lt all worked seamlessly today. Natalia and Reece were both excellent, with Natalia giving a tour de force performance (yes, in a rehearsal) of great characterisation and depth. So many different nuances unique to her. The theatre is lovely, with excellent site lines and the Japanese fans extremely enthusiastic. There were queues waiting at the stage door for the dancers to exit this evening. It's very exciting to be here and to look forward to the mouth watering performances to come.

Hi all, I wonder if anyone can help. I’m really keen to go to Stuttgart for the ‘Remember Me’ double bill in November but have a few questions, having never booked for Stuttgart before. Is the ticket system ballot, where you put in a bid before sales open? Is there any point trying to get tickets for Saturday 4th (realistically the only date I can make it for) as I’m sure it will be popular? How easy is it to set up a SEPA direct debit as instructed? Thank you in advance for any help! Ian

It is not on the promotor's website yet but the casting was sent to subscribers. Gala (more of a Diamonds Celebration) June 24th 13:00 Diamonds Nunes, Muntagirov A Month in the Country Osipova Bracewell For Four Muntagirov, Corarres, Ball, Sambe New Zuchetti Naghdi, Kaneko, Hayward, Magri June 24th 18:00 Diamonds Lamb. Hirano A Month in the Country Nunes, Ball For Four Muntagirov, Corarres, Ball, Sambe New Zuchetti Naghdi, Kaneko, Hayward, Magri June 25th 13:00 Diamonds Takada, McRae A Month in the Country Nunes, Muntagirov For Four TBA New Zuchetti TBA Romeo and Juliet June 28th 18:30 Lamb, McRae June 29th 13:30 Naghdi, Ball June 29th 18:30 Kaneko, Muntagirov June 30th 18:30 Osipova, Clarke July 1st 13:00 Hayward, Corarres July 1st 18:00 Nunes, Bracewell July 2nd 13:00 Takada, Campbell So Romeo and Juliet in Tokyo has an incredible cast of seven pairs.

Indeed. Just wondering, does anyone know which are the 'good' seats in Sadler's Wells? I know that there are different definitions of the term. For me I like to be as close to the stage as possible, ideally in the stalls or at the side, so not in first or second circle. I notice that there are 2 rows at the front of the stalls in Sadler's Wells that are described as 'restricted/near to the stage' (DD/CC). Does that mean a significant part of the dancer's feet are cut off? Would be grateful for any advice! I have not been to Sadler's Wells very much before so am quite unaware of the different views from each level. Can't find a separate thread about Sadler's Wells seating so hoping I can ask here.

Hi, just adding a question here about Royal Albert Hall seating (for ENB's Cinderella) as not sure where else to put it. Could anyone answer this - I'm looking at the seat map and of the two middle sections, stage and arena, which part do the dancers actually perform on? Sorry for what might be an obvious question, I've never seen a ballet there before.

Hi all, Excitingly I'm off to New York in May, and needless to say will be taking out a second mortgage on my legs to see NYCB perform while I'm in town. Only problem is, I want to see three performances. While I'm sorting out the whole not-having-won-the-National-Lottery-yet issue with Camelot I can't really plump for top seats for all three, so does anyone have any suggestions for a decent balance of good seats at the David H. Koch Theater that don't cost the earth? I'd also welcome tips for fun things to do while in NYC! Oh, and if we have any members on the forum in NY who fancy meeting up and saying hello, I'll be flying solo and am always up for meeting fellow balletomane forumites. Thanks!

I’m quite new to opera, so far I’ve seen: Tosca (loved it, made me cry), Don Giovanni (very busy and entertaining), L'elisir d'amore (lovely) and The Magic Flute (nice singing, story slight strange, I’m still not quite sure what was going on). I’m booked for La Traviata (favourite opera so far, but not yet seen live) and Rigoletto. Of the others coming up at ROH what’s a newbie going to like? Macbeth or Nabucco? I guess The Marriage of Figaro is a must see? I’ve got a fairly short attention span so nothing too heavy 😄. And I’ll be booking another Tosca. Angela Gheorghiu is one of the few opera singers I’ve heard of 😁, so I guess there’ll be heavy demand for her performances? I appreciate any guidance.

Hello! I am travelling from Australia and have managed to secure 3x standing tickets to the Nutcracker this year. I just want to ask if anyone can offer any information if there are any places to sit between acts etc? I am bringing my 10 year old and so want her to be able to have a little rest in between. We have never been to ROH before. Thankyou so much!