Hello, my parents and I are in Prague and thought it woiuld be fun to see the Nutcracker ballet tomorrow night, the matinee is sold out, but we didn't bring any nice clothes. My mom and I have jeans and sweaters and my dad has some casual khaki pants and flannel shirts. Will we be completely out of place or not admitted with that attire? It's certainly not what I would wear in the US to the ballet but I know my parents are eager to see this ballet.
Appreciate the feedback.
~ Michelle
If you want to, go. Just look as good as you can with jeans, they can be very fashionable. Don't worry. Enjoy.
You WILL NOT be turned away!
Michelle, while we're waiting for a response from someone who actually knows something about this topic, I suggest that you ask someone at your hotel (if you're staying at a hotel). Can't hurt.
Edited to add: My comment was not meant as a slam against Sam! When I started writing my post, there had been no responses.
I never have subscribed to the "what what get me thrown out standard" . The one time we went to the Opera in Prague all but a handful of the men were in sports coats or better. The same holds true in Budapest where we go more frequently. Here are some photos of people at the opera in Prague. Maybe these will help you make a decision:
http://www.letsgo-europe.com/czech/prague/opera_pan.jpg
http://www.letsgo-europe.com/czech/prague/state_opera4_800.JPG
Michelle, I haven't been to Prague, but I've been to the theater and ballet in Leningrad (as it was then) and Moscow, as well as Warsaw and other Polish cities. I never saw anyone "dressed up;" that was one of the things that made the experience so charming. It was considered important that the arts be available to all, regardless of income, education, or occupation. I'd wear something neat, clean, and modest.
I wouldn't worry about being dressed up. never been to ballet in Prague but have been to various opreras and classical concerts.I have always gone waht i wopuld call smart casual, dress standards are right across the board from those dressed to the nines and others that look line they have slept in their clothes for the last 2 months.I even seen folk in shorts and t-shirts.
So just go ,wear what you feel comfortabale in ,worry not one bit what you are wearing and enjoy the experience.
Thanks so much to everyone for the quick feedback! Really appreciate it!
Its always dangerous to think Europe is one culture. Doesn't surprise me a bit that yoga pants are appropriate in Prague, and rags in Russia. Because of this topic a few years ago i actually took a count during two performances in Budapest. Neither an opening performance. The last time i think i counted 10 men without at least a sports coat. I am guessing i couldn't see half the guests so the number might have been 20. The place seats about 1500 so that's a minority. Mostly tourists in the balcony; but not all.
My favorite are always the pensioners who pull out their best dress from 1969 and wear it with pride; hats, furs, wide lapels, tired old shoes. Its terrific. The difference might be that when we were at the theater in Vienna and Prague most of those there were tourists. In Budapest, the locals still out number the tourists; its more culturally ingrained. Budapest does have a second venue which is apparently less dressy (and at present it is the only one open).
here is my favorite night at the opera. https://pb2.jegy.hu/imgs/system-4/program/000/074/313/hary-estely-original-86511.jpg
James E.: Wow!
James, it is dangerous to assume that a question about one city in Europe has anything at all to do with Budapest. Yet here we are talking about Budapest. Again.
I'm not talking about a certain place
Emily, my point exactly! Thank you.
Michelle, I haven't been to Prague, but I've been to the theater and
ballet in Leningrad (as it was then) and Moscow, as well as Warsaw and
other Polish cities
