NYC Ballet - A night at Lincoln Center

Location: Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Tickets: I purchased my tickets on https://www.nycballet.com/season-and-tickets/calendar

Your tickets will be emailed to you after purchase. NYC Ballet recommends printing your tickets before arrival. @nycballet

History: NYCB was founded in 1948 by George Balanchine, one of the most influential choreographers in the history of ballet, and Lincoln Kirstein, an impresario. The origins go back to the 1930s when Balanchine and Kirstein began collaborating to introduce ballet to American audiences.

Seating: The first ring is my ideal choice for seating. It is located one level above the orchestra seats (the main floor), which means you are slightly higher up while still being close to the stage. You won’t be as far away as you would be in the higher rings, so you can still see the dancers more closely.

The first ring has both side and center sections. If possible, aim for the center sections to get the best overall view of the stage. Sitting on the sides can result in a more angled view, causing you to miss some of the of the choreography—especially during group numbers. If you sit too far out to the side, you will have a partial view of the stage.

Guidance when you arrive: When you arrive at Lincoln Center, you will see three beautiful buildings: the Metropolitan Opera House, David H. Koch Theater, and David Geffen Hall. The David H. Koch theater hosts the ballet performances.

My experience at NYCB: I selected a 7:30 PM show. The gates to enter the exhibit opened at 6:30 PM, and the theater doors opened at 7:00 PM for seating. No photos or recordings are allowed while the dancers are performing. The bar serves snacks, such as chocolate chip cookies and wrapped sandwiches, along with drinks like water, champagne, and Hennessy. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.

There is an intermission between the four acts, allowing the audience to stretch, grab a snack, and use the restroom. I enjoyed watching the ballet dancers express their emotions through their movements, and the live orchestra playing throughout the acts was beautiful.

The dancers performed four acts, each thoughtfully designed with attention to lighting, costumes, staging, and choreography. The venue is stunning and elegant! The NYC Ballet truly creates an unforgettable experience.

Time: 2 hours, the show started at 7:30PM and ended around 9:30PM.

"When in New York, you can't miss the ballet"

-xoxo E.