Things to Know
- How do I get $30 tickets?
- Who can I bring with me?
- Will there always be tickets available?
- I'm not getting DanceBreak emails
- Where do the performances take place?
- What should I wear?
- How do I pick up my tickets?
- When should I get to the theatre?
- What if I'm late?
- What happens in the theatre?
- When should I clap?
- Cameras and Recording Equipment
How do I get $30 tickets?
To join DanceBreak and get $30 tickets, you must be between 16 and 29 years old. All you need to do is sign up — either online or at the Box Office. Within a day you will receive a welcome email in your inbox. It will give you a Promo Code you need for purchasing. You can buy tickets on the day of the performance for $30 (subject to availability and excluding the Grand Ring).
The Nutcracker
Tickets for The Nutcracker are not available through DanceBreak, but you can buy Rush Tickets on the day of the show starting at 11 am at the National Ballet Box Office for $30. Visit thenutcracker.ca for more information on the National Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.
How many $30 tickets can I purchase for each performance date?
If there are seats available, you can buy a maximum of two (2) tickets for each performance date. If you have a bunch of friends who want to come, just get them to sign up and they can buy their own tickets.
Who can I bring with me?
If you purchase two tickets, your guest must also be between 16 and 29. Both you and your guest will be required to show valid photo ID as proof of age. Box Office staff will check ID for every ticket holder, not just the ticket purchaser.
Will there always be tickets available?
No, not always. You’ll need to be flexible in your choice of dates. DanceBreak tickets are subject to availability and at the discretion of the National Ballet. To help you plan, a few days before each run you will receive an email letting you know which performances have the best availability.
I'm not getting DanceBreak emails
You will receive an email letting you know which performances have the best availability a few days before each run. If you do not receive any emails in your Inbox check the details of Your Account. Make sure that your email is spelled correctly and that it is the address where you wish to receive messages. Also check the Junk folder in your email account and make sure the messages have not been tagged as SPAM. To ensure that you receive all communications add info@national.ballet.ca to your safe recipient list.
Where do the performances take place?
The National Ballet performs at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West at University Avenue). You can enter the building directly from Osgoode subway station.
What should I wear?
When you come to a performance, wear whatever you're comfortable in. Some people like dressing up for a night out and others feel more comfortable in a nice pair of jeans. Feel free to make your own choices so that you can best enjoy the performance.
How do I pick up my tickets?
If you purchased tickets online, they will be held for you at the National Ballet Box Office at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West at University). You should plan to pick them up at least 45 minutes before the performance begins. You and your guest must show valid photo ID as proof of age, as well as the credit card you used to purchase your tickets.
When should I get to the theatre?
The main doors of the Four Seasons Centre open one hour prior to the start of the ballet. Aim to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the performance so you have enough time to pick up your tickets, find your seats, review the programme notes or just relax. If you’re planning on attending the free pre-performance Ballet Talk, you need to arrive 45 minutes before the show.
What if I'm late?
If you arrive after the performance has begun, you will not be seated until intermission. If you leave the theatre during the performance or are late coming back from intermission, you will not be able to return to your seat until the next intermission.
What happens in the theatre?
Before you enter the theatre be sure to turn off your cell phone, PDA or pager. The lights will dim to signal the beginning of the ballet. Be respectful of the performers and the other audience members – watch quietly and enjoy the performance. Also, please be considerate of those in the audience who may have allergies to fragrances. At intermission or the end of the performance, you should remain at your seat until the house lights have been turned on.
When should I clap?
Clap anytime something in the ballet (a great solo, for instance) really moves or wows you. Feel free to laugh when something funny happens on stage. If the performance is especially powerful, during the curtain call when the dancers and conductor take their bows, shouts of “Bravo” (for men) and “Brava” (for women) and/or a standing ovation is an excellent way to show the performers that you are especially impressed.
Cameras and Recording Equipment
Cameras, video cameras and sound-recording devices are not allowed in the theatre at any time, and must be checked at the cloakroom on the lower level before entering the theatre. Anyone using a camera or any recording device in the theatre may be asked to leave.