BALLET 101

First time at the Ballet? Want to learn more about this performing art? Learn what to expect, where to park, and when to clap.

PLANNING
YOUR TRIP TO THE BALLET

Boost your Ballet experience with some pointers from our people.

WHEN TO ARRIVE?

Check your tickets, and then check them again! The date and time of your performance are written on your ticket. Be sure to allow yourself enough time for traffic, parking, and refreshment orders. If you miss the beginning of the ballet, you will have to watch it on a monitor until there’s a suitable break in the performance — which can often be at the first intermission. Time your arrival with the following in mind:

2 HOURS BEFORE CURTAIN

Box Office opens at Civic Center Music Hall

1 HOUR BEFORE CURTAIN

Lobby doors open to patrons.

45 MINUTES BEFORE CURTAIN

Behind the Ballet, a pre-show event featuring lectures from guest artists, hands-on activities, and demonstrations for all ages, begins in the South Lobby of the Civic Center.

30 MINUTES BEFORE CURTAIN

Doors to the house (auditorium) open, so you can find your seat, enjoy the playbill, and wait for the performance to begin.

WHERE TO STAY

Our partners at the Ambassador Hotel, located at 1200 North Walker, offer a special rate for Oklahoma City Ballet performance weekends. This Autograph Collection hotel guarantees a memorable OKC experience. Use this link for your discounted rate: www.bit.ly/ambassadorokcballet.

WHERE TO PARK?

Most of our performances are held at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City, so parking is sometimes a challenge. Be mindful of traffic, construction, or special events in the area. Street parking is limited, but there are many private lots in the area. Expect to pay $10-$15 for downtown parking. For additional parking information, please see the resources below.

WHAT TO WEAR?

No matter what you have heard about ballet, we believe in comfort. Jeans, office attire, and your favorite wrap dress are all ballet-appropriate — but don’t let that keep you from dressing to the nines! The Ballet is also a great place to debut your most enchanting ensemble!

HINT: Whatever outfit you choose, make sure it will be comfortable to sit in for a few hours!

WHEN TO CLAP?

You would never clap in the middle of a symphony or Broadway show, but at Oklahoma City Ballet, you can go wild! When dancers pull off spectacular moves — spins, leaps, and lifts — it’s perfectly acceptable to cheer them on to greater heights with storms of applause or shouts of “BRAVO!” (for males) or “BRAVA!” (for females).

GET SOCIAL WITH @OKCBALLET

We love to see your photos, videos, and posts on social media after an event! So, be sure to tag @okcballet in all your photos — yes, even the bathroom selfies — and give us a follow for the latest and greatest OKC Ballet news. Just remember — no photography once the curtain rises!

BECOME
BALLET-SAVVY

Some helpful ballet terminology for all attendees to know.

OKC BALLET FAQ

Still have some questions? We have the answers. Head on over to our FAQ for in-depth information on all things Oklahoma City Ballet.