That's not what he was saying though. He didn't say they have niche audiences he said they're just doing it to "keep this thing alive." Like out of some form of obligation.
I do wish a lot of the money that went to opera would go to smaller theatres instead, but I don't think any art form is worse than another due to the size of the audience. If I thought that I'd love marvel slop and call of duty.

edit: I don't know a lot about opera or ballet, but I know a bit about theatre. In theatre there's still incredible new plays being made, so I'm sure there is also still great new ballet and opera being made. You're unlikely to get a lot of butts in seats in theatre unless you're setting up a widely known play, which is why most big theatres main programmes are shakesspeare and things from 60+ years ago. I assume it's the same reason why opera and ballet mainly does really old stuff - It's what sells tickets. I was once an extra in a Mozart opera, which was a lot of fun.

[–] Muinteoir_Saoirse@hexbear.net 6 points 13 hours ago

I'm sure there is also still great new ballet

There absolutely is! I love going to the ballet with my wife, and people are totally making new shows. They are incorporating modern dance techniques, they are diversifying from European traditions.

In fact, one of the best ballet shows I've seen is Pisuwin, a Wolastoqiyik ballet scored by the Wolastoqiyik composer Jeremy Dutcher and directed/choreographed by champion dancer Possesom, and fusing classical ballet and Wabanaki grass dance to tell a traditional Wolastoqiyik story.

I adored it!