Oh my darlings, 14th April 2026 - a date to pencil into your diaries for all those who, like myself, have a secret (and sometimes not so secret) weakness for the soaring, passionate, exquisite music of the ballet world. It's the day that this year's International Ballet Music Review unfolds, and with it comes the tantalising prospect of delving into the latest creations, reinterpretations, and perhaps even a little bit of history – the kind that takes you straight back to the heart of the dance.
This year's theme is "Fusion", a vibrant mix of old and new, contemporary and traditional, pushing the boundaries of musical storytelling within the beautiful context of ballet. This "Fusion" concept is a dazzling dance of contrasts, where classical strings intertwine with the bold strokes of electronica, and where the whispers of a solitary flute can transform into a symphony of brass fanfare. We'll explore this concept through a captivating mix of news, interviews, and reviews. Think, dear readers, of a news item filled with the elegance of a pirouette and the raw energy of a grand jeté. This is the kind of review you wouldn't want to miss!
First off, I have to mention the utterly divine music composed by the young prodigy, Thomas Davies, for the Royal Ballet's newest production, "Aurora Borealis". Davies, a composer of incredible audacity and talent, has breathed new life into the traditional ballet, weaving in elements of experimental composition and weaving them together with nods to classical scores in a way that is, to be blunt, downright enchanting.
His "Aurora Borealis" is, in a word, majestic. Its music captures the stark beauty of the aurora, blending an intricate tapestry of sound that evokes the feeling of ethereal light against a backdrop of Arctic stillness. Just when you think you've got a handle on its essence, it shifts again – a subtle tweak, a new layer of instrumentation, a breathtaking tempo change - that keeps you spellbound. You'll need to get yourself to the Royal Opera House soon!
Speaking of magic, have you caught wind of the newest creation from the incomparable Compagnie XY in France? Titled "Echos", it's a breathtaking fusion of contemporary dance and sound design, taking its cues from the hushed tones of minimalism and the evocative landscapes of ambient electronica. With its pulsating rhythms and haunting melodies, "Echos" evokes the very essence of the human experience – the laughter, the sorrow, the triumphs and heartbreaks - through its intricate, hypnotic movement sequences.
This piece will have you reaching for your headphones for its soundtrack after you see it, and you'll find yourself revisiting it long after you leave the theater, pondering its many layered meanings. The choreographic concept alone is something of genius; a beautifully realised vision of movement which brings the dancers together into this incredible ballet ensemble.
Of course, we can't discuss new productions without touching upon the "classical" world, can we? As much as we enjoy the new and daring, the familiar comfort of a traditional Tchaikovsky ballet will always hold its allure.
So, I’m thrilled to share with you, darlings, that a newly unearthed version of "The Nutcracker", dating back to 1912, is going to be featured this year at the Bolshoi. This newly discovered gem is an absolute treasure, a complete rediscovery of what might have been for Tchaikovsky.
The story behind it is almost as exciting as the music itself! Apparently, it was uncovered hidden within the archives of the Bolshoi, sitting among boxes of dusty scripts and forgotten scores, awaiting its grand rediscovery. The musical nuances, the captivating storytelling, it all seems so fresh – like a flower newly blooming, just as Tchaikovsky had originally envisioned it!
On a personal note, I have been captivated by a little gem that I spotted last month at a charming boutique in Paris. It's a leotard - darling, it's a beauty! Imagine, if you will, the most perfect shade of dusky pink, like the first light of dawn peeking through a ballet studio window, and the softest of silks, caressing the skin. I couldn't resist the urge to grab it. It matches a vintage pink tutu that I've been holding onto, and it whispers "dance" every time I see it! Perhaps that will be my "fusion" look for this year's International Ballet Music Review.
However, as beautiful and intriguing as these highlights are, our exploration goes deeper still, spanning all the wonderful sub-genres within ballet music.
Here’s a taste of what we have in store:
Ballet and Modern Music- We delve into the fusion of ballet and the contemporary music scene, where DJ’s remix balletic masterpieces. Think "Swan Lake" with a house music twist - wild, isn't it?
- The latest collaboration between electronic artist “DJ Groove” and the English National Ballet for their rendition of "La Bayadère"
- The growing trend of ballet companies utilising soundscapes and electro-acoustic compositions
- Exploring the unique blend of Bollywood music with contemporary ballet - "Naache Meri Rani" reimagined through movement
- A look at the world's rising dance scene and how it is influencing ballet. I'm sure you're expecting to hear more about the influence of Argentinian tango, African drum rhythms and Irish jig
- The enchanting sound of "The Little Mermaid" created for a London Ballet school featuring influences from Latin rhythms and West African drumming
- In this section, we'll take you beyond the theatre and into the heart of ballet music's ongoing evolution, showcasing a growing body of innovative work that challenges the traditional definition of “balletic”.
- The groundbreaking work of “Ballet Now!” - a non-profit company dedicated to creating opportunities for young composers who write solely for ballet.
- Exploring the rising trend of dance films, with original scores designed to complement the visual experience
- "A Ballet Soundscape" - this interactive web experience allows users to create their own “ballets” based on music from various musical genres - a must for your technology buffs
- How technology is influencing ballet music; new recording techniques, musical software and live performances
- The growing accessibility of ballet through online platforms; streamed performances and access to rehearsal materials
- We'll investigate whether the internet and streaming is killing live dance and discuss the "digital age" of ballet
There will also be some delightful exclusives for our discerning readers. We’re talking interviews with composers, choreographers, and even those rising ballet stars who have taken the music to the stage and made it come to life!
Now, dear readers, prepare to immerse yourselves in a world of elegant melodies and dramatic orchestrations.
Think:
- The grand crescendo of Stravinsky’s "Rite of Spring"
- The gentle flutter of Tchaikovsky’s "Swan Lake"
- The powerful opening of Prokofiev’s "Romeo and Juliet"
- The swirling passion of Bizet’s “Carmen”
Get your pointe shoes and tutus ready - because on April 14th 2026, we are ready to "take a bow" on another year of Ballet Music!
Until then, remember - as we all should - that the music is just one part of the dance; but for those who, like myself, are truly devoted to this artistic medium, it's the foundation on which the beautiful story unfolds!