When attending a ballet performance, it’s important to dress appropriately. Doing so shows respect for the performers and the art form. It also helps you feel more like part of the audience, rather than an outsider.
If you’re attending a formal ballet at a theater, it is best to dress formally. Women should consider wearing a nice dress or skirt with a blouse or sweater.
Men should wear dress pants and a collared shirt with or without a jacket or sport coat. Avoid wearing jeans, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and other casual clothing.
For more casual events, such as those held outdoors or in smaller venues, business casual attire is usually appropriate. Women can wear slacks and a nice blouse or sweater; men can wear khakis and collared shirt with optional jacket or sport coat. It is still important to avoid overly casual clothing such as shorts, t-shirts and tank tops.
When in doubt, it is better to err on the side of being too dressed up than too dressed down for any ballet performance. You will be more comfortable if you are appropriately dressed for the occasion, and it will ensure that you do not stand out from the other attendees in an unwelcome way.
In conclusion, when attending a ballet performance it is important to dress appropriately in order to show respect for the performers and art form. For formal performances at theaters, formal attire should be worn; for more casual events business casual attire is usually appropriate. When in doubt it is better to err on the side of being overdressed than underdressed.