The Art of Sensitivity
Story. Dance. Music. Art enriches our lives so much and it is for me a great bonding opportunity. I believe stories are meant to be shared and it is in the sharing that somehow people find common ground and understanding. Have you ever been to the ballet? I’ve only gone once but that day stands out to me as a special, memorable treat that I cherish. That is why I was thrilled, almost to tears, when I heard that PA’s very own Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is one of the lead runners in companies offering sensory friendly performances. Everyone deserves to have the chance to swoon over the prince and princess, to cheer as the hero triumphs, to get mesmerized by the fancy steps, or enchanted by the music. Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy real artistic treats in our communities.
Pittsbugh Ballet Theatre (PBT) passionately developed programs that will allow the audience to experience all the delight in a supportive theater setting. Sensory-friendly performances invite children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, or other special needs to comfortably enjoy live dance. They offer memorable ballets such as Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast. Did you know Pittsburgh had it first? The classic, well-celebrated ballet, The Nutcracker, was presented as a sensory-friendly version for the first time by Pittsburgh Ballet Theater.
“What all goes into making a performance sensory friendly?” you might ask. The team at PBT ensures the show has lower sound levels, house lights stay at a soft level rather than the stark full bright or dark, and all potentially startling special effects and lighting are eliminated from the program. The “house rules” also get a little more relaxed during this time. Viewers are free to get up, move around, and leave whenever needed. Can we all breathe a sigh of relief? This takes the pressures off as you see the environment is an open and accepting one. Quiet area and activities are available in the lobby just in case you need a break. Also, iPads and other electronics are permitted in the theater for therapeutic purposes. If you need fidget objects or ear plugs, just ask a friendly, trained volunteer to assist.
You can prepare for your visit with social stories available for download here: https://www.pbt.org/performances-tickets/sensory-friendly-performances/
Perhaps this holiday season, you want to catch the iconic George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® with Tchaikovsky’s famous score, held on Monday, December 30, 2019 at 12:00 PM. Or maybe attend the magical ballet, Beauty and the Beast, to be performed February 23, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. Anticipation is part of the fun, see about getting your ticket and adding a ballet to your calendar or learn more about accommodations by contacting the Theater.
Ticketing questions: 412-454-9107
Group sales: 412-454-9101 or groupsales@pittsburghballet.org
Questions about content or accommodations: 412-454-9128
Inclusion just makes sense. It’s sensitivity and consideration for our neighbors. Pittsbugh Ballet Theater gets it and their accommodations smooth out barriers so that we can all take in an enjoyable cultural experience together. Let’s all go to the theater!
