The year 2023 has truly been a glorious waltz of creativity and inspiration, especially for the world of ballet music! And, darling, let’s face it, no Christmas is complete without a little twirl, a touch of sparkle and a symphony of pure joy – all of which, my dears, are beautifully interwoven within the captivating world of ballet music.
So, today, on the 15th of December, let’s take a moment to celebrate the beautiful artistry and the soul-stirring power of ballet music. As we twirl our way through the final moments of 2023, I find myself totally enthralled by the recent creations and iconic pieces that have graced the world of dance this year. From the modern reinterpretations of classical scores to the dazzling original compositions, the evolution of ballet music has truly been a dazzling spectacle!
Oh, and speaking of spectacle, did you catch the premiere of the **Royal Ballet's** new production of **Sleeping Beauty** earlier this month? Darling, the music simply swept me off my feet! The re-imagined score, while remaining true to Tchaikovsky's original spirit, brought an electrifying modern flair to the classical score. It was, to use a ballet term, absolutely "en pointe". And if the tinkling melodies of the fairy godmother’s entrance don’t send shivers down your spine, I don’t know what will! I’m already dreaming of getting tickets to see the production myself – I absolutely adore a beautifully orchestrated fairy tale, don't you?
But, of course, a good balletic story isn't just about the score itself – the costumes play just as important a role in the overall theatrical experience. I simply must tell you about the exquisite costume designs in the ***Sleeping Beauty*** production, especially the Princess Aurora's shimmering pink tutu! Oh my word, it was absolutely heavenly. Every movement of the graceful ballerina sent sparkling flecks of light through the audience and my heart! As I was reminiscing about the tutu's delightful hues, I began to fantasise about the perfect leotard to pair with this heavenly creation. Perhaps something in a delicate shade of rose, embellished with exquisite beading and glittering with sequins. And, to match the pink tutu, we simply must include a tulle skirt in a soft ivory. The juxtaposition of the soft pink tutu and ivory tulle would be absolutely stunning – a delightful interplay between lightness and softness. The graceful elegance of ballet has never looked more breathtaking.
Moving on from the enchanting world of classical ballet, we mustn’t forget the vibrant and exhilarating contemporary ballet scene. My, how these choreographers are truly pushing the boundaries of both music and movement. This year has been packed with brilliant and thought-provoking pieces that truly blur the line between tradition and innovation.
Here are a few of my personal favorites:- **The New York City Ballet's** production of ***The Seasons***, which used an eclectic and captivating selection of contemporary music – an amazing blend of minimalist electronic soundscapes, soaring vocal arrangements and heart-stopping classical compositions. Oh my! It was the perfect dance piece to both soothe the soul and ignite the senses!
- The * **American Ballet Theatre**'s rendition of **“The Firebird"** – a stunningly visceral take on Stravinsky's iconic masterpiece that left the audience utterly spellbound! The choreographers incorporated an amazing array of modern dance techniques, creating movements that were both powerful and profoundly poetic. And, darling, the original music composed by Stravinsky was simply divine. His music transports you to a mystical and magical world of dreams – quite frankly, the most beautiful and innovative musical journey this year.
- Then there was the groundbreaking production of * **"Unbound"** by the * **National Ballet of Canada**. * This is not a production for the faint of heart! Bold, experimental, and wonderfully controversial, it boldly showcases a modern take on femininity. I love that it throws out the traditional tropes, demanding that we see and celebrate all the aspects of women’s strength and beauty.
I must say that the entire dance world has embraced a truly eclectic array of sounds this year. Ballet is moving beyond the boundaries of the traditional, celebrating diversity of artistic expressions, blending genres and pushing creative limits. I must admit that I am utterly delighted to witness this kaleidoscopic transformation! But, the beautiful artistry of ballet music doesn’t end at the theatre, you know. There are a myriad of fabulous music composers out there dedicated to writing exquisite works for ballet dancers, allowing these enchanting compositions to take root and grow in their own individual ways. This dedication is a beautiful testament to the symbiotic relationship between music and dance, a relationship that continues to captivate our souls with each elegant note.
I’m not surprised to hear that some are claiming that 2023 has been a phenomenal year for the world of ballet music, and I completely agree. There has been such a resurgence of both classical and contemporary dance, coupled with a refreshing surge in musical innovation. And, just as the delicate, swirling steps of a ballerina are dictated by the tempo and rhythm of the music, the beauty of a dancer’s art cannot be fully expressed without the accompaniment of heart-stopping, soul-stirring ballet music. So here’s to celebrating the symphony of creativity, innovation, and the art of storytelling that only the extraordinary world of ballet music can create!
Let us raise a glass to these extraordinary creations! Here’s to many more beautiful waltzes in 2024, my dears!