The World is My Stage: A News Review of Ballet Music on 10th September 2026
As a lover of all things ballet, I find it quite magical that the music, those evocative melodies and dramatic scores, has the power to transport us, not just to a different world, but to different emotions, and perhaps even different lives.
There's a special resonance in the air today. The 10th of September 2026. A day which vibrates with the essence of graceful leaps, delicate pirouettes, and powerful emotions. A day to celebrate the extraordinary world of ballet music.
So let's pull back the curtain and peek behind the scenes, delving into the stories that unfolded in the last week, the musical trends, and the artists that have stolen our hearts. From classical masterpieces to modern innovations, this review will be a vibrant pas de deux of words and melodies.
Classical Music Keeps Its Tempo:
There's something undeniably captivating about a soaring Tchaikovsky score or the graceful melancholy of a Debussy piece. While ballet may have evolved, the power of these traditional melodies never wanes. This week, the Royal Opera House in London brought us back to the familiar grandeur of classical ballet, hosting a captivating revival of "Swan Lake," conducted by the renowned Maestro Antonio Pappano. The audience was spellbound by the intricate harmony, each note painting a picture of Tchaikovsky's genius. As the swans gracefully danced to the ethereal music, I was transported to a realm where dreams were reality, and reality became a fleeting dream.
On the other side of the world, in the elegant Parisian opera house, we had the debut of a young, ambitious, and undeniably talented pianist, Eloise Dupont, performing "The Sleeping Beauty" in its entirety. Her rendition was a symphony of emotions, weaving her own personality into the classical fabric, adding a contemporary twist without losing the essence of Tchaikovsky's vision. She had the entire audience in her thrall, including the famous, fashion icon and socialite Madame de Beauvoir. And her shimmering crimson leotard, a piece from the newly launched Haute Couture collection by Valentino, was certainly worthy of the occasion, a stark, contrasting, but bold statement to the conventional, traditional ballet wear.
And as always, our beloved "The Nutcracker" remains a cherished Christmas tradition, bringing joy and wonder to children and adults alike. A reminder that the magic of ballet music is timeless and timeless indeed it is, its themes of hope, love and triumph resonating throughout the ages. The London Symphony Orchestra conducted a particularly heart-warming performance this week. It was the first of three consecutive nights of full house, a testament to its enduring popularity.
Contemporary Choreography Takes Center Stage:
While classical music remains a cornerstone of the ballet world, it's the dynamic, innovative choreographers of today that push boundaries, blur lines, and reinvent what ballet can be. They are, for many, the new voices that keep the art form vibrant.
This week saw a mesmerizing performance of "Entangled" by the talented choreographer Maya Lee at the prestigious Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Her choreography blended elements of contemporary and classical, creating a truly immersive and thought-provoking piece that left the audience spellbound. Set to a score by the acclaimed composer, David Hamilton, the work explores themes of human connection, social pressures and modern alienation in our technologically dependent world.
On the smaller stage, yet no less influential, the young British choreographer, Ethan James, has created a ballet named "The Ephemeral Hour" for the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. The work is a testament to James’ innovative and poetic use of movement, which draws upon various forms of dance, including contemporary, hip hop and tap. "The Ephemeral Hour" uses the evocative sounds of renowned contemporary composer Alice Carter to craft an immersive experience of what the ephemeral hours of time can feel like, an elegant take on the themes of temporality, change and acceptance.
A Rising Star in Ballet Music:
In a world of established ballet composers, a new name has begun to rise in prominence - the young and enigmatic Russian composer, Ivan Sergeev. At just 25, Sergeev has already made his mark in the world of contemporary ballet music, his compositions blending electronica, orchestral instrumentation, and captivating textures, drawing a very clear link to his modern, bold and minimalist design aesthetic, visible in the sleek, futuristic spaces where he chooses to perform his music. Sergeev's talent is raw and exciting, creating a vibrant, unique sound that perfectly complements contemporary ballet.
An Encore for Ballet Music:
The magic of ballet music transcends the physical limitations of the stage. It reaches out, connecting with us on a deeper level, evocative sounds creating a beautiful space, an inner stage for dreams and fantasies.
As we conclude this week's review, I leave you with a thought. Don't let the beauty and magic of ballet music be confined to the concert hall or the theater. Let it be your companion on a walk in nature, your soundtrack to a moment of quiet contemplation, or a boost of energy for your day. Ballet music can inspire you, lift you, and transport you. It is a world worth exploring, with a beauty and power that knows no bounds. So go ahead, step onto the stage and discover the magic for yourself!
Here’s to the dancers, choreographers, and composers who keep this art form so alive and exciting. To the future of ballet music! And to every individual who ever, like me, dared to dream a ballet!
From the World of Dance Fashion:
This week's ballet fashion buzz centers on the elegant new “Aurora" ballet shoe by Repetto, a modern take on the traditional pointe shoe with the delicate design using supple suede that fits the shape of the foot beautifully, and the perfect addition of soft elastic for comfortable support and control. The "Aurora" is available in three classic ballet shades – ivory, black and nude – and a unique lavender. The "Aurora" ballet shoe is also a bold testament to the creative partnership between the world's finest shoemaker, Repetto, and a modern dancer – the acclaimed dancer and choreographer, Sarah Parker. This particular "Aurora", in its distinctive and dazzling, bright violet, comes with a coordinating ballet-wear collection - featuring a sleek and comfortable bodysuit in matching violet shade, the bodice with delicately gathered material, highlighting the femininity of a graceful silhouette.
As for the couture scene - I loved that daring but exquisitely designed new range of tulle tutus created by Jean-Paul Gaultier, specifically inspired by contemporary ballet. The tutus are constructed of multilayered, brightly colored tulle and with the distinctive “Jean Paul Gaultier” touch: bold and original embellishments - with oversized silver and golden accents – highlighting the fluidity and grace of the feminine form. I particularly loved the deep sapphire blue tulle tutu - an audacious statement, almost a daring declaration. For me, it goes with the dazzling black leotard in shimmering fabric with a subtle, but sensual design by Gaultier that is both timeless and revolutionary.
And the final touch to this look - a sleek and glamorous clutch by Alexander McQueen. This piece - in exquisite, lustrous, jet black, perfectly complements the boldness of the Gaultier collection, a strong accent for a powerful ballerina’s evening wear ensemble.
I look forward to the upcoming season, and more stylish adventures in ballet fashion!
From the Ballet Music Charts:
Our first weekly “Top 10 Ballet Music Charts" are here! I hope you find this to be a source of musical inspiration. I am, after all, a ballet music enthusiast! Let me know which ballet piece speaks to your inner soul.
The top ten:
- 1. The Sleeping Beauty, Tchaikovsky: This beloved classical score continues to reign supreme. This is a perennial favorite among ballet fans.
- 2. The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky: A quintessential holiday favorite. The "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" remains a top choice.
- 3. Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky: The "Dance of the Swans" and "Odette's Solo" – always evocative of romance, loss and passion.
- 4. Entangled, David Hamilton: The captivating contemporary ballet score, Hamilton’s music weaves emotion, drama and tension into one vibrant narrative.
- 5. The Four Seasons, Vivaldi: Classical meets contemporary! A stunning score which many dance professionals consider a contemporary staple.
- 6. La Valse, Ravel: A mesmerizing score – evocative of a bygone era, elegance and waltzing under crystal chandeliers.
- 7. Afternoon of a Faun, Debussy: Debussy’s sensual and dreamy composition is an iconic score for any ballet lover, enchanting both on and off the stage.
- 8. Giselle, Adolphe Adam: This haunting score - featuring themes of betrayal, love, death and sorrow, is forever etched into my own musical memory.
- 9. Concerto for Two Violins, Bach: This Bach score with its intricate baroque patterns is the contemporary choreographer’s modern twist on classical – always an inspiring choice!.
- 10. Symphony No.5, Beethoven: This powerhouse of classical music resonates with intensity. Its power and elegance always make it a dramatic favorite on the stage.
There’s something very special about the impact of music in the ballet world. There is a rare symbiosis that unfolds. It's not just the music accompanying the dance, it’s the dance interpreting the music. It's as if two different forms of language collide, finding a new way to speak.
Next week, we'll explore the fascinating history of ballet music, tracing its roots back to the Renaissance, looking at how it has evolved and been shaped by various cultural influences throughout history. It is a rich journey that promises a lot of wonderful discoveries!