Family Fun with the New York City Ballet

The New York City Ballet (NYCB) offers a number of special opportunities for families to interact with ballet through behind-the-scenes looks and interactive activities before performances. With the holidays around the corner, a trip to the Koch Theater is a terrific gift for the whole family and a great way to get excited for wintry cheer. 

Through most of December and into January and February, families can join artists of New York City Ballet in 45-minute pre-performance explorations of the music, movement, and themes of a ballet featured in the matinee performance. During these events, called Children's Workshops, NYCB Teaching Artists guide children in a ballet warm-up and movement combination, concluding in a lively performance for accompanying family and friends. No prior dance training is needed! Tickets for Children's Workshops are $15 per person and all workshops take place before family-friendly matinee performances. Performance tickets must be purchased separately but are not required to attend these workshops. Click here to view the schedule of workshops. 

Also, on Monday, December 9 at 6:30pm, families can enjoy a special event for the season called Behind the Magic. Patrons can join Principal Dancer Lauren Lovette for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most cherished ballets in New York City Ballet's repertory, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®. Immerse the whole family in a holiday classic and tradition, and enjoy performance excerpts, demonstrations, and the rare opportunity to hear interviews with the artists who make this magic production possible. This special event is perfect for Nutcracker newcomers and aficionados alike, and is also a great way to begin the holiday season. Tickets are $20 per person. Click here for more information. 

The Nutcracker opens on Friday, November 29. Don't miss your chance to enjoy these special family-oriented ballet events for this holiday season. 

Photo credit: New York City Ballet