This is still a practice at the Bolshoi, for example. The applauders get the dancers' tickets to sell or give away. In return, they get well-timed, enthusiastic

This is still a practice at the Bolshoi, for example. The applauders get the dancers' tickets to sell or give away. In return, they get well-timed, enthusiastic applause that can make or break a dancer's career. Bolshoi tickets are on the order of 1/5 of an engineer's monthly salary, so the additional income for these applauders is not negligible. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/arts/dance/designated-cheering-spectators-thrive-at-the-bolshoi-theater.html https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/arts/dance/designated-che...