Ballet Story - A Sensory Friendly Relaxed Performance

Educational project for children with autism or intellectual disability

Educational project Ballet Story - A Sensory Friendly Relaxed Performance is the first theatrical production in Estonia created above all for children with autism or intellectual disability.

Entrance through the main door of the Estonian National Opera
Ticket price 15 € (child + accompanying adult)
Please address any questions to tuuli.potik@opera.ee
Suitable for ages 7 and up

NB: We use the discount 1+1 free. Buy a ticket for each person who comes to the theater, then select "apply discount". When you buy 2 tickets, you get the second ticket for free.

Educational project Ballet Story - A Sensory Friendly Relaxed Performance is the first theatrical production in Estonia created above all for children with autism or intellectual disability. Together with the artists of the Estonian National Opera, we will make a journey through the history of ballet from the hall of the royal castle to the magical woods of the forest fairy, and then on to the fairy-tale lake which is a home to a beautiful swan. During the performance, children can move along with the dancers, they don’t have to sit still in their seats. In the second half of Ballet Story - A Sensory Friendly Relaxed Performance, you have the opportunity to try on tutus and royal crowns and feel like real artists.

Ballet Story - A Sensory Friendly Relaxed Performance is based on the educational project Ballet Story.

What is a relaxed performance?

Relaxed performances are intended for people who find going to the theatre intimidating and complicated, and who need a calmer environment than usual. First and foremost, they are designed for people with autism, sensory processing disorder or intellectual disability.

During relaxed performances the venue is not made completely dark and flashing or fast-changing lighting solutions are not used. The musical language is also softer and calmer.

The venue attendants at sensory friendly performances have received special training. During the performance you are free to leave your seat and return there – it is permitted to move around and make sounds in the venue. There is also a calming room. A visual and audio description of both the performance and arriving to the theatre has been made available to the audience.

Conditions and environment of relaxed performances may vary in different theatres, so it’s always worthwhile to get to know them in advance, and clarify with the theatre, if necessary.

What is used in Ballet Story - A Sensory Friendly Relaxed Performance of the Estonian National Opera:

• Sound – piano, kalimba, rainstick, sounds of nature, sounds of the theatre building (murmur of the audience, tuning of instruments).
• Picture Communication Symbols, simplified hand signs, body language, facial expressions, the language of dance.
• Spray bottle with forest-scented water.

During Ballet Story - A Sensory Friendly Relaxed Performance, the Estonian National Opera is adapted as follows:

• The children are welcomed by friendly, specially trained venue attendants and artists.
• There is a calming room with cosy bean bag chairs and some costumes to look at and touch.
• Noise-cancelling headphones and protective sunglasses for on-site use. If necessary, you can get a sticker that says “Don’t touch me”.
• Open doors policy – you can leave the venue and return at any time.
• If you like, you can watch the performance from the screen in the calming room.
• Sensory seat pads and cushions.
• Adapted lighting and music.
• During the performance you can join the artists and try on tutus and royal crowns.

Ballet Story - A Sensory Friendly Relaxed Performance takes place on the stage of the Estonian National Opera and is accessible in a wheelchair.

The educational program welcomes up to ten children at a time.

Performed by: Aare Kodasma, Daniel Kirspuu, Hedi Pundonen or Eve Mutso
Piano and kalimba: Talvi Hunt or Mari Visnapuumägi

Our thanks go to: Aet Urbas (group teacher at the Tondi School in Tallinn and board member of the Autism Society of Tallinn and Harju County), George Alexander Adams (LPM Dance, Indepen-Dance), Jaanika Juhanson, Keiu Virro, Maret Allikas, Marianne Kuzemchenko (chairwoman of the Estonian Autism Association), TAMREX, Pušku Pušku

Educational project Relaxed Ballet Story is sponsored by SELVER