Ballet

If you've never been to the ballet, we highly encourage you to go at least once in your life.

While people don't think of ballet dancers as being better athletes than professional football players, there aren't many football players who have either the stamina or range of skills to handle a career in ballet. Besides, after the ballet you can try tossing your date over your shoulders and hopping around the living room.

YOUR OPTIONS

There are two categories of ballet companies: professional and regional. Companies like the New York City Ballet or the American Ballet Company are professional companies with professional dancers. Some of the regional companies have professional dancers and others have amateur dancers. Whether they are professional or regional, ballet companies come in two flavors: those whose focus is traditional ballet and those which have a modern or contemporary bent. When you call to make reservations, ask if the performance is traditional or modern, not that you'll have a clue what to do with that information. At least you'll know whether to expect girls in tu-tus or guys in tu-tus.

COST

Tickets vary in price depending on whether the performance is by a well-known professional company or a small regional troupe. You could spend $30 per ticket for a mediocre seat at a professional ballet company performance or $10 per ticket for great seats at a regional performance.

If you can, visit the theater in person to secure the best seats you can afford.

WHERE TO FIND BALLET COMPANIES

The events or calendar section of your newspaper should have a listing of ballet performances in your area.

Check the Yellow Pages under "ballet" or "dance."

Call a local ballet school and ask if there is a ballet company in town. Do they recommend the current performance?

For a great listing of regional and professional companies, pirouette over to dmoz.org/Arts/Performing_Arts/Dance/Ballet/ and search "dance ballet." Also try the site at www. dancer.com for a list of ballet companies.

ATTIRE

Wear the best you've got. Make sure your date knows that more is expected than a pair of Levis.

TIPS

If it's your first time, you might consider a ballet like Romeo and Juliet or Swan Lake. These tend to be self-explanatory.

ALTERNATIVES

If ballet doesn't suit you, why not check out the dance troupes described in the CONTEMPORARY DANCE date. Talk about high-energy and exhilarating—not that ballet isn't.