First Ever in Yamagata! Accessible 'Relaxed Performance' Ballet featuring Live Music by Yamagata Symphony Orchestra

The Star Dancers Ballet Foundation (Minato-ku, Tokyo) will host a 'Relaxed Performance' on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Yamagin Kenmin Hall, an event designed so that anyone can enjoy performing arts in a stress-free environment, regardless of the presence or absence of disabilities.

Launched in 2018, the Star Dancers Ballet's Relaxed Performances have been held 27 times across 10 prefectures nationwide. The format has garnered broad support from those who may feel anxious about theater environments, as well as families with young children. For this upcoming event, classical masterpieces set to Tchaikovsky's music—'Swan Lake' and 'The Nutcracker'—will be condensed into special one-act programs of about 45 minutes each, maintaining the integrity of the original storylines.

An Inclusive Theater Environment Relaxed Performances are tailored for individuals who might find traditional theatergoing challenging due to difficulties sitting still or anxieties regarding dark spaces and loud noises. Recognizing that people experience sound, light, and their surroundings differently, the following accommodations are provided:

- Entering and exiting the auditorium is permitted during the performance. - Auditorium lighting is never completely darkened. - Priority seating is available for those who need it due to physical condition or situational needs. - A viewing guide is published online prior to the event. - Commentary is provided before the performance begins.

Rather than expecting absolute silence, the format aims to alleviate the tension of 'having to be quiet,' creating a space where audiences can engage with the performance at their own pace. The event is open to the general public, not just individuals with disabilities and their families.

Classical Masterpieces with the Yamagata Symphony Orchestra The program features two universally popular ballets set to Tchaikovsky's music. Both 'Swan Lake' and 'The Nutcracker' have been condensed into one-act performances lasting approximately 45 minutes each, with a faster pace that keeps younger children engaged. 'Swan Lake' includes commentary before and during the show, while 'The Nutcracker' features the character Drosselmeyer navigating the audience, making the experience accessible for first-time ballet viewers.

A major highlight of this performance is the live music provided by the Yamagata Symphony Orchestra, offering a rich viewing experience alongside Tchaikovsky's beautiful, familiar melodies.

Delivering Ballet to Everyone Across the 27 performances held in 10 prefectures, the ballet company has welcomed a diverse audience rarely seen at traditional ballet performances, including families with young children, students from special needs schools, and residents of facilities for individuals with disabilities. Feedback from attendees highlights the value of the commentary, the relief of enjoying the show with a neurodivergent child, and the joy of introducing children to ballet in a safe environment.

The organizers hope that this inaugural Yamagata event will similarly provide an enjoyable experience for all attendees. The Star Dancers Ballet is committed to expanding opportunities for diverse individuals to engage with the performing arts and to creating environments where everyone can visit the theater with peace of mind.

Event Overview Star Dancers Ballet Performance Relaxed Performance: 'Swan Lake' (1 Act) & 'The Nutcracker' (1 Act)

Date & Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026. Starts at 14:00 (Doors open at 13:15). Running time is approximately 2 hours, including an intermission. Venue: Yamagin Kenmin Hall (Yamagata Prefectural General Cultural Arts Center) Main Hall (1-minute walk from JR Yamagata Station West Exit).

Cast: Part 1 'Swan Lake': Odette/Odile by Hiroe Abe, Prince Siegfried by Shohei Hayashida. Part 2 'The Nutcracker': Clara by Ayana Shiotani, The Prince by Shuhei Yoshida, Sugar Plum Fairy by Kazusa Akiyama. Conductor: Hiroe Yukawa Orchestra: Yamagata Symphony Orchestra

Staff: Direction & Choreography: Minoru Suzuki Music: P.I. Tchaikovsky Set Design: Dick Bird

Ticket Prices (Tax Included): S Seats (1st Floor): Adults 6,000 yen / Children 3,000 yen A Seats (2nd Floor): Adults 4,000 yen / Children 2,000 yen *Children pricing applies to those aged 3 through high school. *Children aged 2 and under are not admitted. *Childcare service available (Paid, reservation required).

Organizers: Star Dancers Ballet Foundation, Yamagata Prefectural General Cultural Arts Center Designated Administrator Mingle Yamagata. Production: Star Dancers Ballet Foundation.