Question about Ballet (classic, good, concert, instruments)

[k374]

I've read the storyline of "Swan Lake" but so far I have never got the chance to see the Ballet performed I absolutely love the score.

Well, I want to catch a good production soon but I want to know generally about Ballet. Since it's all expressed through dance, do viewers read the storyline beforehand or just try to understand it as it is expressed. Does it take any special skill or experience to figure out what is being conveyed? Do you usually read up the story beforehand to get a more enjoyable experience?

[litlux]

Just stumbled on this thread. One of the things in ballet is that they use simple pantomime a lot to explain what is going on. It is pretty obvious. But for Swan Lake, it is a rather far-fetched story, and it helps to be familiar with it ahead of time if you like to know everything that is going on.

Mostly, just sit back and soak in the beauty. Visually, it is an absolute treat.

[Chava61]

I took classical ballet lessons as a child. So I can tell you that nobody I know ever read the stories beforehand. As mentioned one can usually figure out the story of the ballet by watching the ballet itself.

[thriftylefty]

The beauty of the art is that it can communicate the story to you through the music, drama, the movements of the dancer's bodies. It is not unlike going to an Opera that is sung in German or Italian and you don't speak the language.

[Thursday007]

If you are going to a symphony concert or ballet, they typically have a quick "classroom" session which goes through the theme or story line and what the instruments represent. Check before you go to see if this is offered just before the performance.