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It is the most wonderful time of the year! Soon I will be sashaying my way to the Met Opera House to see the American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Season. Only for a few weeks, the summer season entails all the beloved classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Onegin, and Sylvia. I have already secured my tickets, in my favorite seat on the balcony, and am filled with eager anticipation. I enjoy watching from the balcony so I can see the formations in full.
Ballet is the foundation of my life. Starting at the age of 3, I don’t know what life is like without tutus and slippers. These ingrained fundamentals have been implemented into my everyday life; discipline, creativity, respect, taking constructive criticism, and nurturing my body. While ballet may not have been my forte as a dancer (much better at jazz and modern), I never lost my love for its beauty. The elegance and enchantment of the movements and music still sends a delight to my heart. It centers me. Reminds me of my adoration for the art form. While I may no longer be floating in the air as I do an entrelacé (my favorite balletic move), I’ve become a patron of the ballet. Never missing an ABT summer season since 2011, ever since I worked for the company.
Attending the ballet is a wonderful experience, especially at the Met Opera House. It doesn’t matter how long I have lived, and will live, in New York, seeing the cascading chandelier, the winding stairs, and my favorite principal dancers pirouetting across the stage will always be a pinch me moment. The Met Opera House holds a refined, elegance unlike any other theater I have graced. Filled with so much history, you can feel the significance of it all.
Deciding what to wear to such an iconic Opera House can be a little challenging. Gone are the days of opera gloves and bow ties. As society leans towards casual, our evening attire has also taken a much more relaxed approach. At the ballet you will see a variety of different attire, especially depending on what tier you are sitting. The closer you are to the orchestra, the more polished and dressed up people are. For those of us who sit in the balcony, you will see a variety of outfits from jeans to cocktail dresses. I am someone who fully believes that one should dress up for the theatre. Never to wear jeans, hoodies, or ball caps; which I, unfortunately and disappointingly, have seen. If you are not one to dress up, a nice pair of slacks and a blouse will do. A simple sundress is also a great option to wear. As for me, I like to dress in refinement. Not a ballgown, but an upscale look. Although I would 100% wear a ballgown and opera gloves to the theatre. I have gathered a few chic and elegant outfits to wear to the ballet, so you may be comfortable while still feeling exquisite.
One particular dress I am eyeing to wear to the ballet in a few weeks is this beautiful floral maxi dress. The graceful flounce sleeves and ruffle peplum really makes it much more feminine. It has a vintage, whimsical feel to it but the fit is still structured.
My satin white skirt (similar) is one that I reached for every ballet season. Whether it’s styled with an off-the-shoulder top, my fancy feathered button up, or my classic vest, there are a variety of different ways to style a simple satin skirt. To change up the look a little this year, I would love to add this floral maxi skirt, and this satin draped top to the rotation. The draped satin top gives a very luxurious feel to your outfit. The floral skirt can be both dressed up or down. After the ballet season, pair it with a simple white t-shirt and sandals to wear to brunch with friends.
Another easy, yet polished outfit to wear is this pink linen dress. You may think linen is too casual for such an occasion, but you can really zhuzh it up with fancy accessories. Shop even more outfit ideas to wear to the ballet below.