Kaitlyn Gilliland, when asked how someone should watch a ballet, said:

Because each ballet you see is different, there aren’t really any guidelines to follow when watching a ballet. If there’s a story involved, like in “The Nutcracker,” some may prefer to read the story before watching the ballet. On the other hand, although I know the story very well, I like to watch it as though the dancers are telling me the story for the first time.

Even though abstract ballets don’t typically have stories, I find that I like to come up with my own interpretation of what’s happening, or simply allow myself to be part of the mood that the music and the steps create. Because each dancer is unique, the same ballet can look completely different when danced by two different people.

I don’t think, however, that there is a ‘best’ way to watch ballet. There are many aspects of any ballet that could appeal to someone — the music, the choreography, the dancers, the costumes — and that’s the beauty of our art form.

Tips from the professional. The Nutcracker is definitely a ‘story’ ballet – and though the plot is very simple, I think it’s worth reading a bit of background first, although it’s not essential.