Ballet Music News 7110

Darling, let’s talk about the sublimely exquisite world of ballet music. Today, the 7th of February 2008, is an occasion worthy of a full plie – a deep bow to the composers who have given us the musical tapestry that graces our graceful steps. Oh, how I do love a good waltz! And as the notes cascade like silken ribbons through the air, carrying the dancers’ every move on a tide of pure beauty, don’t we feel, just for a fleeting moment, transported to a realm where everything is as perfect as the rose petals scattered on the stage?

Today, my dears, we will delve into this world of musical magic and explore its latest happenings. Oh, there’s a whole new generation of composers pushing boundaries and making the old, tired world of ballet music, well, rather boring!

My, my, what a whirlwind week it’s been. New music is pouring in like an overflowing champagne flute! First, let’s have a moment of pause for our darling, darling **Tchaikovsky** and his *Swan Lake*. How could we *ever* live without that music? The majestic grandeur, the delicate grace of the swan – all beautifully mirrored in his score, which has taken its place amongst the hallowed classics. But the darling man isn't alone – let's give a resounding round of applause to **Prokofiev**'s *Romeo and Juliet*. The passion, the tragedy! It's a feast for the senses! Just imagine Romeo and Juliet whirling through the air, their love story unfolding before our very eyes, set to this incredible score! Absolutely divine!

Darling, a revolution is happening! New composers are daring to step away from the tried-and-true, seeking to redefine what ballet music can be. It’s not always pretty, it’s not always easy to listen to, but, darling, sometimes the most challenging journeys lead to the most beautiful discoveries. One composer in particular has been creating quite a stir, darling! This is none other than **Jonathan Dove** whose *The Monster* (inspired by the film by Tod Browning, and created in 1992, how time does fly! ), caused quite the furore. Yes, darling, we’re venturing beyond the beautiful into the macabre – it's truly *unforgettable*, darling! *Unforgettable*. The power of the music matches the grotesqueness of the stage, creating an almost surreal effect, a ballet which challenges both the mind and the body.

Now, dear readers, you know me. I am not one for stark minimalism or raw intensity - but dare I confess? I was completely, utterly captivated! Dove is simply extraordinary; he’s creating a bridge between classical ballet and modern, experimental music. There's such an audacity to his work, a passion, and a dedication to expressing the deepest emotions, even the darkest ones.

You want something with a bit more sparkle, something to truly *twinkle* like a chandelier? Well, don’t be a drama queen and be sure to catch a performance of **Michael Daugherty’s** *Firebird* (1997, and quite a beauty!). Daugherty, like a little butterfly fluttering through a garden, sprinkles his compositions with delightful bits of modern, with an unmistakable flair that's all his own!

My dear readers, let's delve deeper into this incredible new world! One could say we are experiencing the ballet world in the ‘post-modern’ era - which may make one think of ugly clothes and uninspired dances - but, believe me darling, it’s nothing short of breathtaking! Modern music gives the art of ballet a new lease on life. It adds a new layer of depth, complexity, and even a bit of edgy sass that keeps our dear old ballets from being stuck in a museum! It gives the modern dancer more freedom to express themselves.

**Remember**: A little dash of sass, a smidgen of modern, goes a long way. Now we are no longer bound by tradition; we’re rewriting the script, reinventing the language of dance through its musical companions.

Now darling, let’s talk leotards! Can there be any discussion of ballet music without giving the dancers a moment? After all, the dancer, with her graceful, ethereal beauty is a sight to behold; but she can’t dance in just a silk negligee, darling! No, the leotard is the silent star of the dance, hidden under the graceful tutus and costumes, its color and design carefully considered to be the perfect compliment to the ballerina’s every movement. Now, if one is to dance a romantic ballet, such as the graceful *Swan Lake*, in a gorgeous pale pink tutu - it stands to reason, doesn’t it darling, that the leotard would match the ethereal pink! The contrast against the darker shade of skin and the ballet’s lyrical, romantic music – perfectly coordinated, don't you think, my dears? Oh, there's something exquisite and utterly romantic about it - quite elegant indeed, darling.

For those daring contemporary performances where the modern dancer seeks to challenge and break the conventions of ballet – an entirely new world of leotard colours are available – rich reds and fierce blacks! Imagine the ballerina whirling through the air in her shocking crimson leotard against a background of blues, purples, and silvers as the music blares! That’s truly thrilling, darling. Now, that’s some exciting ballet music! Dare I add – a fabulous leotard really can help a ballerina sell a song! Yes, my darling readers, even leotards have something to say, something to whisper about the dance.

The dance is indeed alive, kicking and twirling. But the music darling, the music truly brings everything to life. Without it, the dancer would be lost, floundering in silence. Let us never take it for granted, for we are fortunate to live in a world of music and dance! This, my dears, is the secret – the combination of music and dance – this is what creates magic, it is what breathes life into art and elevates it into an otherworldly realm.

And just to add a pinch of excitement and spice to your weekend plans - be sure to keep your calendars clear for upcoming dance and music festivals. Why, oh why do these festivals happen so seldom! *The Dance Festival*, *The Music and the Muse*, and *Ballet Across the Nations* are truly wonderful – a glorious melting pot of the world's best dance and ballet! Each one offers a unique experience. The Music and the Muse, darling, you really mustn’t miss this. Be there early for the ballet masterclasses - just fantastic! It’s not every day, darling, you can watch some of the best ballet artists in the world share their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of dance stars! Oh, I shall have a new shawl and an embroidered fan, for a certain level of glamour is expected at these kinds of events, don’t you think darling?

Darling, it seems like everything revolves around ballet music. In fact, if you are serious about attending some of the big dance and ballet festivals - you really do need to get to them as early as you possibly can! As all the best dancers and composers come together in such glorious fashion - and these events do fill up quickly - even a week in advance you might be in danger of not being able to get a ticket! But it's absolutely worthwhile. The energy, the passion, it’s positively contagious! My heart just fills with glee to witness so much dedication to dance and music. Just seeing the sheer passion, it makes your heart skip a beat - like a ballet step at just the right moment!

Now let's take a moment to chat about the fascinating world of dance music, darling! There are composers out there - you wouldn't even imagine! Imagine composers who *aren’t* dedicated to their crafts as they are to creating incredible soundtracks that bring ballet performances to life - simply *unimaginable* darling. The idea that dance and music exist outside of one another - simply unthinkable.

There's always more going on - every single week - than you would ever think possible! There are these extraordinary events that bring musicians and dancers together in magical collaborations. You'll find dance music playing in the cafes, at festivals and even in shopping malls darling! You will not find this art confined to grand theaters or even traditional concert halls; It's truly becoming ubiquitous. It seems everyone is falling under the spell of dance music - it truly is something captivating, a truly beautiful part of modern culture!

So darling, now you see how deeply I feel about ballet and its exquisite world. This journey into the captivating world of music that underscores these mesmerizing performances has been truly exhilarating. It is a realm of beauty, expression and powerful emotions! We have gone from the stately classics of Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, ventured into the experimental realms of modern composers like Jonathan Dove and Michael Daugherty. Even our little leotard has a story to tell, reminding us that no detail, not even a leotard can escape the magic of ballet and its musical essence!

I have enjoyed my foray into ballet music with you today, my dear readers. I have already heard rumblings of new and extraordinary performances in the next few weeks - and I'll be right here, front and center, sharing all the excitement with you, so do keep an eye out for new issues.