Oh darlings! Do mark your calendars, because 11th October 2024 is *the* day for ballet music. From the elegant waltzes that whirl you through dreams to the soaring leaps that take you higher than the chandelier, we're going to explore this captivating art form. Let's dive into the beautiful world of ballet music ā from Tchaikovskyās iconic scores to the rising stars who are breathing new life into classical music.
We all know that music and ballet are soulmates, they just get each other, donāt they? And todayās the day to celebrate that exquisite pairing. Think about it: when you see a graceful ballerina pirouetting, it's like magic - the steps and the music are dancing a silent dialogue together, telling stories of passion, joy, sorrow, and longing.
Speaking of magical and beautiful things... did anyone catch the Royal Balletās production of The Sleeping Beauty last week? The sheer elegance of it all was breathtaking. And Tchaikovskyās music ā ah! That enchanting score is as timeless as a pearl necklace ā so wonderfully romantic! The whole thing made my heart ache for something I canāt even name, It made me wish Iād stayed practicing instead of learning how to tie my shoelaces! *Sigh*. Itās probably just the āRose Adagioā doing its magic. That beautiful piece is an absolute stand-out, it truly transports you to a world of magic and romance! I felt so giddy afterwards that I went straight out to the shops for a matching pink leotard to go with my pink tulle tutu... it is a little girly, I know, but the colours complement each other perfectly! And they match my lipstick! And the ballet shoes, wellā¦ you canāt see the shoes in The Sleeping Beauty because Iāve just invested in gorgeous red ballet flats, just for the theatre! What do you think, dearies?
But hold your horses, ballet music isn't all about frilly tutus and pretty dresses! Yes, we love our fairy tales, but contemporary ballet explores emotion in a raw and sometimes jarring way. Listen to Stravinsky's Rite of Spring - It's wild, primal and powerful, it's like witnessing an erupting volcano! Oh, and the music for āThe Rite of Springā? It shook the classical music world to its core, can you believe it? Imagine going to a premiere and feeling a real need to shout at the orchestra!
Now, who can deny the majesty of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky? His scores were simply made for the stage. His Swan Lake and The Nutcracker are simply breathtaking, especially for ballet. And itās not just the music; Tchaikovsky just *understood* ballets, and he understood us too - he knew exactly what would touch our hearts!
So you've got your big romantic Tchaikovsky, and then there's the innovative, wild and untamed Stravinsky... there is music for everyone! We are incredibly fortunate to have such diverse styles in this one magnificent art form.
Speaking of magnificent, did anyone see that interview with a real star ballerina recently - I canāt remember her name right now, but Iāll have a look! But what I did hear was how she said, that ballet is more than just dance, it's a fusion of physical, emotional, and musical storytelling - she was right you know, spot on, she gets it. Every note in a ballet score is there to highlight a movement, or a feeling. And itās the dance that brings the music to life! Just the sheer physical effort required to move that beautifully is justā¦ amazing, don't you think?
And if you donāt think so, I'd love to know how *you* see ballet and how you interpret its music ā Iām on social media, darling! If youāre reading this then chances are you have some things to share ā and Iād *love* to know! It's such a fascinating topic to talk about because we all experience things so differently, and dance music, with its layers of emotion, is one way to share those experiences. And music makes it even better!
Right now we have a fantastic selection of modern and contemporary ballet productions all over the world! So next time you're at the theatre, or sitting at home and listening to Spotify (a lot of them have playlist for the ballet too, I'm a bit addicted myself), listen to the music and really focus on its story, and how it relates to the dancers. How beautiful and diverse ballet is. It really is a fantastic art form!
And finally, I just have one more thought. Maybe that leotard and my tutus might actually be the perfect excuse to attend The Nutcracker this December ā just think how elegant we will look for those beautiful ballet classicsā¦ but thatās for next time, darling. But on that note, let's go explore this fascinating world and the fantastic music. *This* is the day for ballet music! Now get yourself a nice glass of wine and enjoy!
Ballet music highlights you should not miss this year:- Royal Ballet's "Swan Lake" is an exquisite treat with Tchaikovsky's unforgettable score. You'll find yourself floating away, in the waltzes and yearning in the adagio, it's a classic for a reason. Don't miss the chance to see it, darling.
- The New York City Ballet's "Agon", choreographed by Jerome Robbins, sets the stage for Stravinsky's stunning music, a thrilling journey through emotion and technical brilliance - perfect for a ballet newbie or a connoisseur!
- The Paris Opera Ballet's āGiselleā, an iconic classic, with Adolphe Adam's music that is just heavenly and romantic - be sure to go with your date for a little extra romanticism.
- The San Francisco Ballet's āThe Sleeping Beautyā. Donāt miss this opportunity to be enthralled by Tchaikovsky's exquisite music and an incredibly intricate ballet, a production full of romance and dazzling dance - you can be swept away on a magical journey.
- English National Ballet āAeternumā, choreographed by Akram Khan. The music for this is from a very diverse range of composers. Khan is one of my personal favorites; he brings such an exciting vision to ballet. The dancers are amazing and I canāt wait to see what happens when they blend traditional styles with more contemporary music, it will be utterly beautiful and possibly controversial.
- The Royal Danish Ballet's "La Sylphide", a timeless ballet with a wonderful score by Herman Severin LĆøvenskiold - another timeless masterpiece. If you havenāt seen it yet - *do* make sure it's on your list.
Let's face it, going to the theatre, and dressing up in that amazing pink tulle tutu ā that just takes so much effort (and money!), and not every monthās payday will stretch to a ticket! But have no fear, there are more ways than ever to indulge in your love for ballet music!
- Explore your favorite artists on Spotify. Just imagine - your music streaming services probably already have a ballet playlist - Iāve been using a curated playlist of tchaikovsky while I paint. I also recommend "The Most Beautiful Ballet Music" - the music takes me to a very zen place indeedā¦ So sit back, relax, and lose yourself in the magic.
- Check out Youtube! The internet has so many treasures ā even more than in our favourite bookshop! A lot of the major ballet companies film their shows. And there are tons of videos where dancers go behind the scenes. My go-to favorites are: the Ballet Channel and Dance Films On Demand! Donāt be surprised when the next six hours are spent completely entranced by some amazing dance videos!
- Visit the Ballet! Do pop into your local ballet school and have a chat. Ballet teachers love talking about what they love doing! Even if itās just for 10 minutesā¦
- Find a Ballet Teacher! Do think about booking a classā¦ (it is going to be quite strenuous, but so much fun and challenging). My dear friend, Miss Margarette, has told me for years that every time she goes to a ballet class, she feels like a little girl again, but that the steps are still just as hard! I donāt know about you, but the idea of taking a ballet class fills me with excitement, a kind of anticipation and eagerness... it really does make you feel empowered - if I can say so myself.
- Find a friend for a theatre trip! Theatre outings always become that extra bit special when you are with your best friends. Take an opportunity to bond and connect through your shared passion! Remember - even the theatre cafĆ© (they often have a lovely terrace for a drink and a biteā¦) will give you a taste of the wonderful theatre experience! Youāll want to return, even if you just have time for a drink, as a real theatre connoisseur!
There are so many opportunities for us to experience this fabulous, magic form, and the best part is, itās constantly evolving and expanding. New creators are adding their own creative flair and musical interpretations to ballet, and that brings us a fresh and new way of looking at the classics!
So as the days turn into weeks (oh! Don't you feel it's been too warm this Autumn, but it *has* to change soonā¦ I know Iāve been in summer dresses since early Marchā¦ ), make a plan. Find out about a local theatre show ā try ballet if you havenāt alreadyā¦ just to see. I really canāt recommend ballet music enough, I really can't. Ballet music has this beautiful power to connect with us - so often we don't know *how* it does, but the moment we hear the right notes, itās as if they are touching us deeply and speaking to our very souls. Isn't it magical? Just like that.
The music speaks for itself! I really think this is the perfect moment for a little bit of inspiration, so don't be shy about adding some ballet music to your life ā it might change your life too!