How many poor people would you send to The Nutcracker?

[cronewitch]

Big Brother/Big Sister isn't for poor children it is for children who need a same sex role model because they only have one parent. The bigs spend time with the littles. So a little motherless girl will have a woman to talk to about female things that dad's don't understand like tea parties and little fatherless boys will have a man to teach talk to them about male things like playing with bugs.
I think it is nice they are sponsoring them to see a ballet. Don't know if it is parent and child or big and littles, either way it will be good for them. They probably have plenty of food but single parent without excess money and time.

I haven't seen it but I think it would be nice to see.

[marvholly]

I would NOT donate to a $50/ticket performance. Group tickets should be MUCH cheaper. Wonder if the ‘sponsoring org” is skimming. It is also WAAY too much when there are so many more needs out there. In my area some of the smaller production local companies/ballet schools/park districts and other not for profit groups have cheap ($10ish) or FREE performances. I would consider that = small donation for transportation expenses.

[Spellbound454]

A full scale ballet is very expensive to put on. You have musicians who have to be talented enough to play convincing Tchaikovsky

Top quality professional dancers and a huge cast.

There are months of rehearsals................and the physical strain on the dancers during a performance is very high.

£50 is cheap.

You are not going to see your local amateurs doing "Hello Dolly"..... A full scale ballet is really special and a treat.

Poor children may never get that experience....so I'd say go for it.

[Deleted]

Nov 22, 2014 23:18:03 GMT -5 JustLurkin said:

$50 is a bargain price (so the venue probably is making a donation).

In our neck of the woods, tickets start at about $40, so $50 is probably the sticker price unless they're putting them in the fancy curtained boxes on the sides or up front. I really prefer the first balcony near the front and that runs about $50.

[Deleted]

SK, did the performance you saw use a see through screen to separate rooms? Have the growing tree? The swirling bed? Etc. There are so many theatrical elements to Nutcracker that increase it's impact I think. And all of the different kinds of dances once they reach dreamland  

But different people do like different things. Totally true. Even if it's not your favorite thing, I don't think it hurts to have the experience. 

[gooddecisions]

Tickets in my middle cost of living city start at $44 (not including fees) and go up to $206. I was bored out of my mind when I went around 12, so haven't been back. It's not a "treat" for everyone. I do like the community plays and concerts, on the other hand.

[bobosensei]

DH and I are paying about 210 US dollars to see the St Petersburg Festival Ballet do the Nutcracker next month, and that was for the best seats we could get which aren't great...  The Kiev ballet and Russian National ballet were half the price, but I want to see this particular version.  I used to take ballet so I absolutely love it, and this is the first time I figured out how to find a performance in Germany.  It is a luxury because I could YouTube a show, in fact I did last night.  But going to see the Nutcracker is about the best present DH can give me.  It brings back such Christmas memories for me.

[luckyme]

Nov 23, 2014 1:35:25 GMT -5 Formerly SK said:

Am I the only one who saw The Nutcracker and was bored out of my mind?  Yes it was live, yes it was a full production, yes I was thrilled with anticipation.  In the end - total boredom.  And I was 24.

I'm not saying don't donate to it, I just think it isn't going to be a slam dunk "magical experience" for whoever gets the free tickets.  Donate if you want to, but don't predict the experience to be bigger than it is.  When I was sitting through The Nutcracker, all I could think of was the money I had wasted to experience this "amazing" thing.

YMMV

I wonder if the venue isn't having trouble filling the seats.  Although, when my kids had a chance to do something free, they went whether they liked it or not.   

[Deleted]

Nov 23, 2014 8:42:08 GMT -5 oped said:

SK, did the performance you saw use a see through screen to separate rooms? Have the growing tree? The swirling bed? Etc. There are so many theatrical elements to Nutcracker that increase it's impact I think. And all of the different kinds of dances once they reach dreamland  

But different people do like different things. Totally true. Even if it's not your favorite thing, I don't think it hurts to have the experience. 

Ours has all those, although my favorite growing tree and the funniest mouse costumes were in Cincinnati.  I know that there will be kids like SK who think it will be great and find it boring; we're all different.  I hope the organizers make sure they select the kids carefully and bring the ones who have a good chance of enjoying it.  I'm assuming there will be more kids who want to go than tickets.

[phil5185]

What Formerly SK said. Isn't there something fun that you could send them to? How about a Rodeo? Or a tractor pull?

[Deleted]

Nov 23, 2014 8:53:24 GMT -5 phil5185 said:

What Formerly SK said. Isn't there something fun that you could send them to? How about a Rodeo? Or a tractor pull?

Well, I'm hoping that they won't send kids more likely to enjoy a rodeo tractor pull. Maybe they can find some rodeo and tractor pull aficianados to donate tickets!

These are all great thoughts, though.  As I said, I was planning to do this anyway (and will probably spring for 4 tickets).  I've been so focused on donations for practical things, and I really believe in them (especially the women's shelter), but in my own life, after the bills for basic needs were paid, I've put a priority on experiences and not things.  That's probably why this speaks so much to me.  I'd rather do this than buy one kid an iPad. 

[Lizard Queen]

In my area, the ballet companies will generally do a special performance for the school children during the school day.  Actually, it might be their dress rehearsal, which works out just fine.  I used to take ballet, and I've seen the Nutcracker lots of times.  It's not my favorite, but I can see why it would be a great first ballet to see.

[olderburgher]

"How much food would that buy?" He's a very practical man and was raised in a food-insecure household, although they didn't call it that back then."

Add to that heat in their homes and warm clothes to wear and I'd say he hit the nail on the head!

[Malarky]

My initial thought was that the money would best be used for the practical things in life.

But then again, where is there ever magic in the lives of some of these kids?

One of the many benefits of this community, seeing things from a different perspective.  Finding valid reasons for changing my mind.  

[Deleted]

I've been to lots of school day performances full of class groups of inner city kids who you might not expect to enjoy the performance, lots of wonder and awe and giggles and bright eyes and chatter about what they saw.

The good thing about school day performances I've been to is that they usually give a 10 minute 'talk' before to talk about elements of ballet, how gestures and repeated movement and music contribute to the telling of the story... Its a nice element for new viewers.

[alinal]

Yes, I have donated to similar things in the past.  When I used to buy season tickets to the touring Broadway shows that came to our town, there was an option to donate $15 for a student outreach ticket that would send a kid to see one of the shows that year.  I started at 1 ticket, and increased each year I bought season tickets.

I liked this program because I was sure that ALL of the money I donated went to sending kids to see Broadway shows.  These kids weren't necessarily the poorest of the poor, but their parents either couldn't or wouldn't buy them a ticket, and I think it's important that kids who *want* this experience get the chance to have it.  I was VERY lucky growing up, and I got to go Philly with school once a year to see a Broadway show, and it was my favorite field trip each year.  And it was much more expensive (better production) at probably $60/ticket.  I'd like to give back now, and hopefully give another child a similar experience.

I do also give to local charities that support the more pressing and basic needs of the poor.  My giving to the arts does take away from that.

[Tennesseer]

Everyone wins when children are exposed to the arts.

[Deleted]

Nov 23, 2014 9:43:07 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Everyone wins when children are exposed to the arts.

the attitude here that poor people may not appreciate the ballet or shouldn't that money be spent on necessities is rather elitist.  some of us think that exposing children to the arts is a necessity.  I think I'm going to look around and see if there are similar programs in my area.  I love the Nutcracker - the first time I went was when I was 4 or so and my aunt and cousin took me to see it in Lincoln Center.  I've seen a number of different productions over the years and have enjoyed them all (except for the Washington Ballet production that has George Washington as the nutcracker).

[Deleted]

Nov 23, 2014 1:35:25 GMT -5 Formerly SK said:

Am I the only one who saw The Nutcracker and was bored out of my mind?  Yes it was live, yes it was a full production, yes I was thrilled with anticipation.  In the end - total boredom.  And I was 24.

I'm not saying don't donate to it, I just think it isn't going to be a slam dunk "magical experience" for whoever gets the free tickets.  Donate if you want to, but don't predict the experience to be bigger than it is.  When I was sitting through The Nutcracker, all I could think of was the money I had wasted to experience this "amazing" thing.

YMMV

No, you're not the only one.  The ballet is definitely not my thing. 

[Deleted]

Nov 22, 2014 18:53:54 GMT -5 @athena53 said:

Background: I love this ballet. I've seen it in Cincinnati. Chicago, Lincoln Center and in our current metro area, which just built a majestic Performing Arts Center a few years ago. Oh, yeah, I also saw a performance by the Canton, Ohio Civic Ballet which used recorded music and had women dancing some of the men's parts due to a lack of male dancers.   I've taken DS to it as a child and also a couple of years ago with DDIL, and when their daughter is a little older we'll do it again. I've taken a few multi-year breaks from it but it's still a bit magical to me.

Today I got a mailing from the Ballet Company; Big Brothers and Big Sisters wants to take a bunch of kids/families to the ballet.  I can help by donating $50 per ticket, tax-deductible.

I ran it by DH; I always want to get his read on things like this.  His first question:  "How much food would that buy?"  He's a very practical man and was raised in a food-insecure household, although they didn't call it that back then.  It's one of the reasons I wanted to get his input:  we support a women's shelter, we donate to a local food bank and to other places that address people in need.  Part of me says this is a frill.  I didn't see a real performance (with orchestra) till I was on my own in Cincinnati, and I bought the ticket. Part of me says that everybody needs a little magic, not just what they see on TV.

I'm probably going to donate $100.  WWYD? 

If you love arts then this is good donation for you. I donate for kids to go to theater school and camp. It is okay if it something you love and want to share. Charity is not only food or utilities. We all okay to donate what we think important.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

But those of you who now know you don't care for ballet had the opportunity to learn that.  Not everyone gets that opportunity.

I like ballet, we have season tickets to Pacific Northwest Ballet this year.  We also have season tickets to the symphony and local theater.  However, if TD suggested season tickets to the opera, I'd probably say thanks but no thanks, I've been and just did not care for it.  I would probably try another opera though, just to be sure I didn't miss something the first time.

Different strokes for different folks.  But you don't know until you can experience, and you cannot experience unless you can afford it.  Not everyone can, and something like this can open doors to some kids.  You can't say that about a lot of things.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

The thread title says "How Many Poor People Would..."

Then in the OP it talks about sending kids who are in Big Brothers & Sisters Organization. That is not a charity for the poor.

It's an organization that matches youth (often some without a parent, or from troubled homes) with positive mentors/role models.

www.bbbs.org/site/c.9iILI3NGKhK6F/b.5962335/k.BE16/Home.htm

www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/en/home/default.aspx

[sesfw]

I would probably try another opera though, just to be sure I didn't miss something the first time.

Magic Flute is an excellent first opera.  I saw this as a marionette show in Vienna several years ago.  Magic to get lost in.

My first opera was Carmen when I was 5 and I saw it at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.  Our seats were in the nose bleed area but I don't remember it bothering me.  Mom had read the story to me and played the music.  Even though I didn't understand the language I could follow along and sing along.

[Tiny]

Nov 23, 2014 8:53:24 GMT -5 phil5185 said:

What Formerly SK said. Isn't there something fun that you could send them to? How about a Rodeo? Or a tractor pull?

I wasn't enthralled by the ballet either - it was kinda long and dull... but the music! That spoke to me.  The jumping around on stage - not so much.   Although Mother Ginger and her kids  was entertaining.

LOL!    The thing is... if it's a first time experience, it doesn't matter that much if it's magical or not. It's just the fact that they gave it try and that's not ever a 'waste of money'. It also might be chance to practice (or see other people executing) various life skills.      Like how to 'sit quietly and amuse yourself' during something that's long and boring (I've had 20 something coworkers that apparently NEVER learned how to do this). Or how to graciously deal with something you didn't enjoy.  (again I had some 20 something coworkers that apparently were raised by some sort of really really rude animals).  

 Sometimes seeing how other people (outside your normal circle) deal with 'life situations' is valuable.  

 

[Gardening Grandma]

Part of me says that everybody needs a little magic,

That is a beautiful thought - I love the idea.

[Tiny]

As for the why is the ballet asking for $$ for something they could donate... most cultural things run on really really tight budgets.
There could be well over 100 people necessary on the day of the show to make the production work - the orchestra, the stage crew, the lighting crew, the costumers, the principal dancers, the other dancers, the supernumeraries, not to mention the ushers. Yeah, they could donate their time and not get paid... but then there's the cost of the venue: heating the space, mechanicals, clean up, etc. Large auditoriums usually aren't heated/cooled to a normal comfy level 24/7. They'd need to get the building owners to donate that as well.  

I suspect the $50.00 per ticket 'donation' isn't generating 'profit' for the Ballet company. Perhaps they are giving a kind of 'group' deal as well at $50.00 since they may be filling seats on less popular with the general public show days (like a Tuesday matinee )

I'd still donate to this if I felt strongly about it.

[milee]

Nov 23, 2014 9:47:03 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

Nov 23, 2014 9:43:07 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Everyone wins when children are exposed to the arts.

the attitude here that poor people may not appreciate the ballet or shouldn't that money be spent on necessities is rather elitist.  some of us think that exposing children to the arts is a necessity. 

As someone who grew up without enough food, whose house wasn't heated or cooled and who didn't always have appropriate clothing, I think your attitude is the elitist one.  It sounds like you've never been hungry, or cold or constantly dressed in a way that made you feel obviously different than the other kids, and more importantly it sounds like you lack the empathy to understand how pervasive those issues are on a kid and how they color almost every day in multiple ways.  Necessities are food and shelter; for kids, having appropriate clothes that allow them to "blend" is a close second. 

If you view sending kids to see the ballet as a necessity, then you sound much more like Marie Antoinette than the ones suggesting that they'd first make sure the kids are fed.  I personally love the arts in many forms - season ticket holder to the theater, enjoy the symphony and some opera but happen to be one for which the ballet isn't all that interesting.  That said, I see a lot of merit in exposing kids to all forms of art to see what sparks them.  They can't know if they've never been.  But wanting to make sure they have the necessities first is the polar opposite of elitist, it's just practical.  Elitist is assuming that every kid is already appropriately fed and sheltered and that your gift of culture is going to be a "magical" experience for them or that exposing them to the arts is a "necessity." 

Let them eat cake! 

[milee]

BTW, in case it sounds like my post above is being critical of Athena's gift - it isn't. As I said in my first post on the prior page, I value art and think it's a nice gift to expose kids to the arts. Who knows what ideas, goals, passions or creativity you might spark? It's a nice thing.

[Deleted]

Nov 23, 2014 14:47:43 GMT -5 milee said:

Nov 23, 2014 9:47:03 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

the attitude here that poor people may not appreciate the ballet or shouldn't that money be spent on necessities is rather elitist.  some of us think that exposing children to the arts is a necessity. 

As someone who grew up without enough food, whose house wasn't heated or cooled and who didn't always have appropriate clothing, I think your attitude is the elitist one.  It sounds like you've never been hungry, or cold or constantly dressed in a way that made you feel obviously different than the other kids, and more importantly it sounds like you lack the empathy to understand how pervasive those issues are on a kid and how they color almost every day in multiple ways.  Necessities are food and shelter; for kids, having appropriate clothes that allow them to "blend" is a close second. 

If you view sending kids to see the ballet as a necessity, then you sound much more like Marie Antoinette than the ones suggesting that they'd first make sure the kids are fed.  I personally love the arts in many forms - season ticket holder to the theater, enjoy the symphony and some opera but happen to be one for which the ballet isn't all that interesting.  That said, I see a lot of merit in exposing kids to all forms of art to see what sparks them.  They can't know if they've never been.  But wanting to make sure they have the necessities first is the polar opposite of elitist, it's just practical.  Elitist is assuming that every kid is already appropriately fed and sheltered and that your gift of culture is going to be a "magical" experience for them or that exposing them to the arts is a "necessity." 

Let them eat cake! 

did I say that people shouldn't donate for food and shelter and heat?  I just think there's more beyond that.  it's no different than people who criticize those who donate to animal causes and point out there are homeless children too.

[milee]

Nov 23, 2014 15:15:24 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

Nov 23, 2014 14:47:43 GMT -5 milee said:

As someone who grew up without enough food, whose house wasn't heated or cooled and who didn't always have appropriate clothing, I think your attitude is the elitist one.  It sounds like you've never been hungry, or cold or constantly dressed in a way that made you feel obviously different than the other kids, and more importantly it sounds like you lack the empathy to understand how pervasive those issues are on a kid and how they color almost every day in multiple ways.  Necessities are food and shelter; for kids, having appropriate clothes that allow them to "blend" is a close second. 

If you view sending kids to see the ballet as a necessity, then you sound much more like Marie Antoinette than the ones suggesting that they'd first make sure the kids are fed.  I personally love the arts in many forms - season ticket holder to the theater, enjoy the symphony and some opera but happen to be one for which the ballet isn't all that interesting.  That said, I see a lot of merit in exposing kids to all forms of art to see what sparks them.  They can't know if they've never been.  But wanting to make sure they have the necessities first is the polar opposite of elitist, it's just practical.  Elitist is assuming that every kid is already appropriately fed and sheltered and that your gift of culture is going to be a "magical" experience for them or that exposing them to the arts is a "necessity." 

Let them eat cake! 

did I say that people shouldn't donate for food and shelter and heat?  I just think there's more beyond that.  it's no different than people who criticize those who donate to animal causes and point out there are homeless children too.

It's very different than people who criticize those who donate to animal causes - completely different issue that you're putting out there to deflect.

Most of us realize that there is a finite amount of money available to use for certain things.  The people who instinctively react that we should first make sure basic needs are covered aren't criticizing a gift, they're hoping to make sure that the finite dollars are spent in the most effective way.  Similar to how people prioritize their budgets.  If you only have $X to work with, most smart people make sure that they cover groceries, utilities and necessities before they spend on entertainment.  That's the opposite of elitist.  That's basic budgeting and practicality.

Charity is a little bit of a different animal.  And there is no one way to view it.  It's Athena's money to donate (or not) as she wishes.  That's not elitist, that's reality.  Athena asked us how we would choose to direct our charitable gifts and it's not elitist for any one of us to respond that we'd choose to direct our gifts to things that first covered the basics.

Your comment that arts are a necessity is still the elitist view.  Throw all the red herrings out there that you want.