Pirouettes and Profiteroles

The New National Theatre in the Shinjuku area of western Tokyo, home to the National Ballet of Japan under Artistic Director David Bintley, is an elegant theatre with much use of natural wood.

Although unfortunately an elevated expressway is right in front of it, there is a beautiful reflecting pool with large rocks in it to add some Japanese tranquillity.

A remarkably civilized phenomenon I took advantage of at a recent performance by Noriko Kobayashi Ballet Theatre was the availability of miniature cream puffs with chocolate sauce at intermission. As I strolled and scarfed my profiteroles, I was able to admire the beauty of the traditional kimonos that you will always find someone wearing at a performance in Japan. I highly recommend Japan as a ballet destination; for hotel recommendations, check out my Travel Tips for Ballet Lovers tab.