23rd November 2026 - a date that will forever be etched in my memory, a date that marked a pinnacle in the world of ballet, a date where music took centre stage, its symphonic whispers intertwining with the grace of dancers, a day I felt a shiver of excitement run through me, much like the anticipation felt moments before the curtain rises on a beloved performance. As a seasoned ballet aficionado, with a heart forever enraptured by the ethereal elegance of a dancer's movement, my eyes lit up with glee as I embarked on this journey, the thrill of unveiling the latest musical trends, the innovations, and the artistry of the music that gives ballet its heartbeat, its soul.
This year has been particularly vibrant for the world of ballet music, a true symphony of inspiration! The new season opened with the London Royal Ballet’s triumphant interpretation of "Giselle", with music that resonated deeply with the audience. The composer, Alexander Dargomyzhsky, has proven to be a true visionary, bringing the spectral world of Giselle to life with melodies that seemed to shimmer in the moonlight.
What made this production truly spectacular was the way composer and choreographer, joined hands in creative harmony, making every gesture of the dancers intertwine with the music. It was as though the notes were guiding their steps, the rhythm their breath, creating a perfect marriage between movement and melody.
Speaking of marriage, one must address the recent trends in contemporary ballet music. There’s been a surge in using modern musical genres like electronica, jazz and even rap. Now, some might be horrified at the thought of such radical departures from tradition, but my, oh my, are they missing a treat. The Paris Opera Ballet's "Neon Dreams" offered an exhilarating experience, where pulsating beats of the electronica music took us on a vibrant journey through a neon-lit world.
This trend, I believe, represents the dynamism of ballet today - an art form that refuses to be confined to the classical traditions. This fusion of contemporary sounds with the ageless artistry of ballet allows for a more inclusive form, a form that speaks to a diverse generation of dance enthusiasts, encouraging a wider appreciation for the art.
This brings me to my next point - the growing movement of celebrating diversity in ballet music. The Bolshoi Ballet's "Rhythm of the Soul", a collaboration with renowned composer from India, Radhika Chopra, truly opened our eyes and hearts to the richness of cultural heritage reflected in music.
The performance was a tapestry woven with traditional Indian rhythms and contemporary ballet, creating an unforgettable visual and audio symphony, one that resonated with every cell in my being.
There's been a palpable shift in focus towards inclusivity and diversity in the world of ballet, not just in the choice of music but also in casting and storytelling. We are moving towards a more representative world, where dancers of all races, ethnicities, and bodies are celebrated.
Now, no discussion on ballet music is complete without a nod to the role of the legendary composers who laid the foundations for this artistry. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky remains the quintessential composer for ballet, and his scores continue to be a source of inspiration. It’s remarkable to see how contemporary choreographers interpret his works, breathing new life into them with fresh perspectives.
And, let us not forget, a piece of music cannot exist in a vacuum. It requires a physical representation, a visual dance of sorts. And here, we cannot forget the magnificent ballet costume. For some, a simple, black leotard with a sleek line will suffice. But, the real showstopper is the tutu - and it takes a true creative genius to find the right tutu that not only flatters the dancer's figure, but also encapsulates the soul of the piece.
This year saw an exceptional collection of tutus, a fusion of classical elegance with modern audacity, proving that ballet costumes, too, have undergone an exciting evolution.
For example, the New York City Ballet's rendition of "Sleeping Beauty", featured a magnificent rose-pink tutu - its multiple layers crafted with delicate lace and adorned with delicate Swarovski crystals. This pink tutu perfectly matched the ballerina’s custom-made pink leotard which emphasized her sculpted physique and gave an elegant, feminine, look that made it an iconic moment in the history of costume design for the ballet.
What I adore most about these ballet costume designs is how they seamlessly intertwine with the music and movement, enhancing the overall experience for the viewer.
But it’s not all about grand performances and opulent costumes. What I truly find fascinating is how music breathes life into everyday training, allowing dancers to express their inner voices through the art of dance.
From the rigorous steps of a ballet class to the emotional depths of a solo, the sound of music accompanies the dancer, inspiring effortless movement and driving them towards excellence.
Music, in this regard, is more than just background accompaniment - it is a catalyst that fuels the passion, propels the performance, and ignites the magic that is ballet.
A few words to my readers. There is so much more to ballet than its dazzling appearances. There is the tireless commitment of dancers, the silent hours of practice, the undying dedication that allows them to transcend human limitations. This dedication extends to the composers who pour their souls into their music, their artistry shaping the story that unfolds before our eyes.
Ballet is a kaleidoscope of talent, where dancers, composers and costumers collaborate to transport us to another world, a world of grace and beauty, a world where music reigns supreme.
On this 23rd of November 2026, we celebrated a year of exceptional music and ballet - a celebration of art, creativity, and the harmonious marriage of movement and sound.
As I conclude this piece, the haunting melodies of a Tchaikovsky symphony echo in my ears, a reminder of the magical journey that ballet offers. I eagerly await the coming years, the fresh inspirations that will emerge, the symphonic chords of joy that will fill the dance halls of the world. Ballet is, after all, a story that never ends, a performance that evolves with every beat of its musical heart.