It's 25th September 2026, darling, and my, oh my, is there a buzz about ballet music in the air! As you know, I'm a girl who can't get enough of the magical, fluid movements, the grace and artistry, but what elevates the experience to a truly heavenly level is the symphony of sound. So, put on your best sequined leotard, a pair of pink pointe shoes, a delicate tutu, and let's take a pirouette through the captivating world of ballet music today.
The season kicked off with a **Whirlwind of Firsts**! The Royal Ballet premiered **"The Whispering Trees"** by up-and-coming composer, Felix Thorne, accompanied by a stunningly innovative set design from the talented Ophelia Thorne - and guess what? They are siblings! Yes, this is truly a family affair. Thorne's composition blended orchestral grandeur with a whimsical touch, perfect for the tale of forgotten woodlands coming to life.
And the young choreographer, Olivia Harding, didn't disappoint. She conjured up a world of ethereal beauty and thrilling athleticism, challenging her dancers with intricate choreography, captivating audiences worldwide, particularly those familiar with Thorne's work and a style he calls 'whimsical grand'. It seems that Thorne's career took off from an unlikely start. Having no family connection to ballet, he credits a ballet concert his neighbour took him to, the same night that his first symphony debuted, for sparking this journey into an unconventional artistic world.
However, if youâre looking for more contemporary rhythms and ânot your grandmotherâs waltzâ, you should try the American Ballet Theatre's bold **âRhythm and the Night"**. I just got back from New York, and it's electrifying! The story, about the struggles and triumphs of a modern city, is infused with urban pulse and urban choreographer, Alex Hunterâs moves just ooze this New York edge. It is all about breaking the mould and taking you on an exciting journey - Hunter used the iconic skyline of New York City as the backdrop, with neon lights and pulsating sound that were designed by renowned architect, James Turner.
Now, here's a delightful revelation that's really piqued the world of ballet. For a unique spin on âsomething old, something newâ weâve got the innovative, breathtaking, yet strangely alluring *âThe Nightingale's Secret,â* The story takes a new direction. It takes a popular classic fairy tale about love, music, and a charming bird and twists the ending. It will be the first in a trilogy, inspired by fairytale motifs and written by renowned composer, Eleanor Campbell, who is making waves in ballet circles and beyond, with the creation of a unique orchestral style she calls âthe fairytale concertoâ which incorporates familiar, yet uniquely orchestrated tunes and creates a blend of classic sounds with a fresh twist.
The set designs, darling, were just incredible. It truly felt like walking into the enchanted forest. A highlight for me was watching how she brought the character of The Nightingale to life using this innovative technique to bring the bird to life by incorporating a single human dancer - a âbird-dancer' I guess - accompanied by dancers representing trees that move as one in the background and a unique orchestration by Campbell created using 50 talented orchestral musicians.
Moving onto our ballet footwear, **Ballet Slippers Get a Glam Makeover**, a bit of news that has left me positively giddy with delight! Imagine a ballet shoe as luxurious as a princess's gown! And imagine being the very first person in the world to own them, yes, the company âAtelier des Ballettistesâ is known for being ahead of the curve and that's what makes these ballet slippers extra special. You see, **Atelier des Ballettistes** is not only selling them, but are donating 20% of proceeds to support aspiring young dancers in underprivileged communities. Isn't that wonderful? I was in complete awe! It is so important to nurture the next generation of talent, especially with so much incredible dancing that is emerging.
Hereâs why Iâm completely smitten with them!
- **Satin Like a Dream:** They have used some amazing new technology. It's a revolutionary approach to fabric innovation that they have designed. It feels unbelievably light but so, so strong.
- **Bling to The Pointe**: They are adorned with delicate crystals that shimmer with a kind of magic, as the dancers spin and leap. The sparkle captures the stage's glow.
- ** Comfort? Don't Get Me Started:** Now, don't just think they are all about dazzling glamour! I'm here to tell you, darling, they've taken comfort and support to a whole new level! It's as if they were designed to become part of a dancer's very soul.
- **The Perfect Pink!** The ballerina-themed leotard that you're probably thinking of? Iâve just got my hands on this limited edition line and its gorgeous, blush pink! Think, ballerina dream and feminine power and it just brings me pure joy. I feel as elegant and empowered as those dazzling dancers on stage, darling.
But thatâs not all that is rocking the ballet world - **A Night of Magical Collaboration! **This event is taking place at the prestigious Royal Opera House, right in the heart of London. Yes, London is taking a front seat in the ballet universe! The most talked about collaboration: world-renowned, **British singer-songwriter, Elly Palmer, who is best known for the Grammy award-winning album âThe Nightingaleâ, and, none other than, The English National Ballet. They brought the house down in this electrifying event and Palmer even danced the lead role! Now thatâs what I call making history!
Here is why their fusion was such a spectacular feat, darling!
- **Enchanting Harmony:** I was blown away! The way she incorporated those evocative vocals of hers with the graceful moves, the passionate and dramatic expressions of ballet. And, she wore a sequined black leotard designed by the renowned costume designer, Lily Miller. It was pure ballet magic. They created a spectacular performance of the *âSleeping Beautyâ. *
- **A Dream in Movement:** Elly's vocals perfectly captured the emotional essence of the ballet, making you feel each twirl, each pause, and the delicate, delicate choreography.
- **The Art of Inspiration:** There is this mutual respect for each otherâs creative passions and art forms. Palmer truly understood what ballet is about, she said in a recent interview. " I didnât just try to âinterpretâ it - but felt the emotions in the music. It was like stepping into someone elseâs world. But she definitely put a contemporary spin on it and her song choices were a bit âedgyâ, I must say, and they didn't stick to a very classical ballets.
- **A Stage Like No Other:** Itâs the Royal Opera House, darling! If it's ballet you're looking for, there's nowhere more prestigious, where legends are made! And that stage was the perfect setting, the light and shadows falling like art on those incredible bodies.
- ** A Trendsetter? ** The future of ballet. Maybe classical ballet needs to do something else than *Giselle*. What a thought. Ballet and opera, oh yes! Maybe this is the new way. Palmer will probably start a movement with more music collaborations that are not just 'crossoverâ and instead really get at the heart of what makes each dance unique.
Oh, and did I mention the spectacular costumes? Miller did it again, the costumes were absolutely breath-taking! In a daring new direction, there are more feathers than I have ever seen in a ballets, especially around **Elly Palmer's âwinged-sequined' jumpsuit, a spectacular addition! It gave a sense of free flight to this very, very talented and exciting woman and showed that there's no shortage of elegance. The costume designs just screamed luxury and feminine allure - a blend of sophistication, grace, and modern artistry.
But ballet is also about **Breaking Down Barriers** darling, with the growing movement of **inclusivity and diversity, and I was overjoyed to see how ballets are creating more chances to celebrate talent and culture, no matter the background. **The Dance Collective is a project dedicated to helping aspiring dancers from minority groups with mentors, training and resources and it is all happening thanks to **Anika Jackson, who was inspired by her own ballet journey, having grown up in a culturally diverse, yet economically underprivileged community in south London. It has given so many a shot!
She wants to break down the image that ballet is âjust for the elite". I agree, ballet can be so elitist. But, we can change that, darling. We must. I really think her dedication and determination are so admirable!
Jackson said she couldnât be more proud to see these ballet students from under-served communities coming to life. And these dance programmes are really about helping build a generation of young ballet dancers from backgrounds traditionally not represented. So, darling, keep a sharp eye out. Watch how Anikaâs initiative keeps blossoming into more opportunities!
The world of ballet music continues to captivate and inspire me in such countless ways! I feel so much love for it all! From the elegant footwear to the thrilling musical scores, and the amazing dancers and performers. Oh, my darlings, that feeling when those twirls and leaps take flight, as the music flows with that delicate, almost divine sound. Itâs a joy, isnât it?
I just know that with all these wonderful innovations, and this surge of artistic talent and fresh ideas. Balletâs bright future is something to really get excited about and you should join me in celebrating it all! Until we meet again, letâs twirl off in happiness, grace and the wonderful, wonderful world of ballet.