The world today can be a difficult place for people who are considered outside of the “norm”.

But organizations like the New York City Ballet are looking to make things a bit more pleasant and enjoyable.

On January 4, The Ballet will present a neurodiverse performance of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker”.

The Sensory-Friendly performances are “designed to welcome neurodiverse audience members who may have sensory processing challenges, including autism, providing a safe space to enjoy the ballet.”

Adjustments include softer lighting, bean bag noise cancelling headphones, and fidgets to occupy busy hands.

Many of the additional staff added to the usual ushers are trained educators who can assist with any issue that may arise.  The entry/exit policy is also relaxed.

The performances have a “no-shushing” policy.

Associate Director of Education at New York City Ballet Meghan Gentile spoke on the production changes saying, “I’ve been in the theatre and seen a mother with her child, and when that line was said, her shoulders just dropped, as if to say, ‘It’s going to be okay.’”

She adds, “the artistic integrity of the ballet is not changed. Audiences at Sensory-Friendly Performances are seeing the same dancers, hearing the same orchestra. It’s not watered-down. It remains the best of the best.”

Gentile noted, “at our first Spring Season Sensory-Friendly Performance in 2024, we found that over half of the audience were first-time audience members at New York City Ballet—what an incredible way to welcome people into our theatre.  We’ve also had long-time subscribers and donors come to these performances; as one subscription holder told us, ‘I’m a huge fan of the ballet and have been coming for years, but I’ve never felt like I could bring my child with me. And now we can have this full experience as a family.’”

On May 17 the New York City Ballet will be presenting a Sensory-Friendly performance of “Divertimento No. 15” by George Balanchine and the “Concerto DSCH” by Alexei Ratmansky.

For more information or to purchase tickets go to Access Programs | New York City Ballet.