It’s July 16th, 2026. The air is alive with the thrill of the approaching ballet season. The smell of freshly-pressed costumes, the whisper of silk against silk, the click of pointe shoes on polished hardwood, all contribute to an irresistible air of anticipation. Here, I want to take you on a journey into the world of ballet music – that glorious, evocative, sometimes melancholic, often exhilarating sound that sets our hearts alight and brings stories to life on stage.
Today, the focus is on the exquisite interplay between dance and music, a timeless symphony of passion, power and pure grace. I feel like the perfect ballet dress - I know every intricate detail of this dance and how music contributes to every flourish. It's truly an incredible feeling and one I want you, dear reader, to share with me.
To be honest, it was a long journey to even come to the place of appreciating ballet and the music it so intricately weaves with, though it’s easy to see why ballet has captured hearts for centuries. Just a whisper of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, the exquisite tension building in Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring or the sweeping drama of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, each evokes such visceral emotions. It's more than mere entertainment – it's an experience that transcends time and resonates deeply within our souls. For me, as an avid dance enthusiast, ballet music is an intrinsic part of my life. It’s my lullaby, my pick-me-up, my partner in all my emotional journeys.
Here's what has been thrilling me in the world of ballet music recently:Firstly, we cannot forget the upcoming revival of Giselle. Giselle’s music is hauntingly beautiful and evokes every ounce of romantic tragedy; the ghostly music in Act II sends shivers down my spine and compels you to reflect on the nature of life and death, all the while being swept away by its sheer beauty. But we all know that Giselle is no stranger to modern interpretations. Ballet companies around the globe are experimenting with new compositions alongside the traditional score. It’s wonderful to see composers challenging and enriching the original structure with their own fresh voices, ensuring that this timeless tale resonates with audiences for generations to come.
Next, the excitement surrounding the ballet "Sleeping Beauty" doesn’t seem to be fading. The music by Tchaikovsky, for this timeless fairytale, is quite magical – it's both grand and intimate. From the graceful melodies of Princess Aurora’s awakening to the whimsical themes of the fairies, Tchaikovsky weaves a symphony that captivates, enchantments, and inspires. Even those with limited exposure to ballet know the waltzes from "Sleeping Beauty" or maybe the "Bluebird Pas de Deux". Even for my own dancing (which admittedly has mostly consisted of twirling around in the kitchen to my favourite tracks) "Sleeping Beauty" has had a huge impact on me.
This brings me to one of my all-time favourite subjects: choreography and how it can completely change the perception of music. Take a recent production of Swan Lake. We all know that “Swan Lake” is the gold standard of romantic ballets and is usually performed with Tchaikovsky’s music. Yet a contemporary choreographic interpretation of "Swan Lake", coupled with modern music and an incredible lead dancer, has a powerful effect – challenging conventions, sparking discussion, and making us question our assumptions. Seeing the same themes and narrative recreated using entirely different musical scores can be an utterly captivating experience that is absolutely exhilarating. It makes me want to put on a sparkly, fluffy pink tutu, grab a leotard in a contrasting shade of pink, and twirl to my heart’s content!.
So, what is it that makes ballet music so special?- Ballet music isn't just music for dancing - it’s music that is intrinsic to the storytelling.
- A beautiful piece of music, if divorced from the choreography, loses part of its essence. The choreography serves as the physical interpretation of the musical story, and vice-versa.
- Every step, every leap, every pose is choreographed in a way that amplifies and reflects the mood and rhythm of the music.
- Ballet music is a journey, each movement drawing out a new emotion. The dramatic pauses, the sweeping crescendos, the moments of quiet contemplation, they all translate to a tangible movement on the stage. It's a visual translation of what we hear, and what we feel.
- The history behind some ballet music, is as equally exciting. Think of the creation of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. That creation alone became a catalyst for a revolution in dance – changing how we saw and interacted with movement.
- Ultimately, the magic of ballet music lies in its ability to create a tapestry of emotions and take the audience on an emotional journey that can stay with you long after the final curtain falls. That power makes it unlike any other genre.
Here are my personal favorites: I think any aficionado of ballet music needs a great compilation that captures the variety and grandeur of the music used for this type of performance.
For a Romantic Night: * “Swan Lake” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky * “Giselle” by Adolphe Adam * “Romeo and Juliet” by Sergei Prokofiev * “La Bayadère” by Ludwig Minkus * “Sleeping Beauty” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky For an Explosive Evening: * “The Rite of Spring” by Igor Stravinsky * “Boléro” by Maurice Ravel * “Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff * “Don Quixote” by Ludwig Minkus A Bit of Whimsy: * “The Nutcracker” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky * “Coppelia” by Léo Delibes Finally, let’s not forget the ballet companies themselves:Every company, every choreographer, every dancer brings their unique perspective to the art of ballet. Their talent coupled with their unwavering passion allows us to discover and re-discover ballet in entirely new ways. Here's what we can look forward to in the coming weeks from the biggest players in the ballet world:
The Royal Ballet, London:- They're premiering a new work, which I’m incredibly excited for! The choreography promises to be innovative and is sure to be a masterpiece!
- They’ll be revisiting a well-loved classic with a breathtaking production, highlighting the dancers’ technical brilliance. Don't be surprised if you're transported back in time by their incredible execution. The company's history is full of amazing productions and innovative styles.
- With the company being based in the heart of the city, it makes it easy to watch productions and allows them to become an important part of the cultural life of London!
- Their production of Swan Lake is renowned globally and will feature a breathtaking performance.
- This company consistently brings new works that are both bold and captivating. If you want a taste of true Russian flair, they'll surely deliver. Don’t miss out on the energy, artistry, and innovation they’re sure to deliver!
- They will continue to redefine ballet and offer incredible contemporary productions, ensuring they never fail to be talked about! Their company has been synonymous with innovation and daring artistic vision and never misses a beat when it comes to taking chances, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide!
- Don't miss their dazzling interpretation of Swan Lake!
We all know the magic of dance lies not just in the perfect execution of pirouettes and arabesques but also in its ability to stir our souls. That stirring happens through the power of ballet music. Each chord, each crescendo, each whisper, each sigh brings its unique charm to the graceful storytelling on stage.
We are blessed to witness this enchanting world of dance and the music that gives it wings. So, the next time you listen to "Swan Lake", you can be certain you are feeling an epic love story, experiencing sorrow and beauty, all at the same time. Just listen and see where the music takes you – it's all a part of the wonder of ballet.