Backstage at the Ballet

Preschoolers from the Innovative Learning Center in NYC tried on ballet headpieces as part of their Backstage at the Ballet tour of the New York State Theater. Photos © New York City Ballet

The littlest students experience the magical backstage worlds of New York City Ballet through free, up-to-one-hour tours of its home, the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center. Tours are led by NYCB educators and are geared to the age, interests, attention-span and abilities of each group of children.

The program introduces very young children to the art of ballet and various elements involved in ballet performance. Students watch a ballet video, view the theater from the Fourth Ring – the highest point in the House, touch costumes and toe shoes, try on ballet headpieces, get an up-close look at the orchestra pit and stage, and spend time in the “wings.” The program is open to school or day-care groups from Pre-school (age 4 and above) through Second Grade. Maximum group size is 25 people including both children and chaperones.