It’s a glorious November day and I feel quite frankly, divine! The sunshine peeks through my curtains like a gentle spotlight and as I step into my pristine, white studio, my bare feet barely make a sound upon the polished wood floor. It’s a beautiful day to be alive and it is also a beautiful day to celebrate ballet, and its most magical element: the music. Today, 12th November 2007, we are taking a journey into the heart of this captivating art form. A journey where the pirouettes and arabesques twirl in sync with the symphony, where the melancholic strains of a violin whisper the sorrow of a lovelorn princess, and the triumphant trumpet blare proclaims a hero's victory.
Oh, to feel the silken touch of a satin tutu against your skin. To feel the soft whispers of your dance shoes against the stage. It is all made possible by the music that breathes life into this artistry. Each step, each leap, each gesture, all guided by the rhythm and melody that flows like a silent storyteller, weaving tales of love, loss, triumph and despair.
For a long time, classical ballet music has remained rather, shall we say, untouchable. Its prestige lies within its historical significance, a relic of the bygone era of grace and elegance. However, its heart beats with a vibrant energy, pulsing with passion, urging us to explore its nuances, to delve into its depths, and to embrace its inherent artistry.
Today, we celebrate not just the grandiosity of the greats like Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky, but also the contemporary voices that have woven their unique tapestry into the world of ballet music. We pay homage to the music that has taken us on journeys through enchanted forests, majestic palaces, and turbulent storms. It is time to listen with an ear not just for the technical mastery, but for the emotions that ripple through each note, every chord, and each cadence.
The music sets the stage, literally and figuratively. The orchestra starts to swell, and in its crescendo, a single dancer takes center stage, her pink tutu floating like a diaphanous dream against the backdrop. In that moment, a dialogue starts - the language of dance and the language of music, two forms of expression intermingling in a silent conversation that transcends words. For as much as we see the physical movement, the graceful steps and expressive gestures, it’s the music that truly transports us. The music paints the emotional landscapes, gives colour to the monochrome, and lets the story come alive.
We shall embark on our exploration through four distinct narratives, four threads of emotion woven within the tapestry of ballet music:
- **Romance and Passion** :The very air seems to vibrate with the anticipation, with the nervous fluttering of a heart falling in love. It's the flutter of a bow, the slow, sweet crescendo of a melody, the yearning that bleeds through every note, as the music expresses love in its most pure and most visceral forms.
- **Sorrow and Despair**: Music has an unparalleled capacity to articulate the deepest melancholia. A symphony of sadness, a serenade of heartache, a somber song that mirrors the despair in our soul. The strings lament the tragic, the horns echo the hollowness of loss, and the piano chords tumble in the sorrow of unrequited love.
- **Strength and Determination** : Sometimes, the most breathtaking moments of ballet come from its most forceful expressions. The music, in its powerful rhythm, its assertive melody, becomes an echo of the dancer's inner strength, the unwavering resolve, the fighting spirit that shines through each move.
- **Whimsy and Enchantment** : There are moments in a ballet performance that make us forget we are mere observers, and suddenly, we are swept away to a realm of fantasy and magic. The music, playful and delicate, evokes a sense of wonder, an invitation into a world of imagination.
We can’t discuss the evolution of ballet music without acknowledging the pivotal role played by the great Russian composers.
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky became synonymous with ballet music, particularly with Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. His melodies resonate with an enchanting quality, evoking emotions that run deep, creating moments of both utter bliss and profound sorrow. His music serves not only as the background score, but it dictates the pace, the atmosphere, and the emotions.
- Igor Stravinsky's revolutionary spirit shook the foundation of traditional ballet music. With his bold dissonance, his rhythmic complexity, he brought in a modern dimension, reflecting the tumultuous shift in societal values and aesthetics. His compositions like The Rite of Spring and Petrouchka revolutionized ballet and became a cornerstone of 20th Century music.
Today, a myriad of composers are shaping the future of ballet music. We witness the contemporary scene where ballet music becomes a vibrant platform for artistic exploration, blending the classic with the avant-garde. From the lush melodies of contemporary classical composers to the edgy and experimental sounds of electronic artists, there is a constant dialogue happening.
A significant evolution in contemporary ballet is the rise of collaborations between choreographers and musicians. These partnerships see musicians working closely with choreographers, often composing music specifically for a ballet. This co-creation brings a dynamic level of engagement, forging a truly unique partnership, a conversation between choreographer and composer, where movement and music blend seamlessly.
Now, to move beyond the symphony, beyond the grand stage, and into our own little corners of creativity. The beauty of ballet music extends far beyond the gilded auditoriums, seeping into our own lives, impacting our experiences, our emotions, and our aspirations.
Let me share with you an intimate experience. It was a cool winter evening and my tiny, worn-out studio echoed with the strains of Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring' resonating from my gramophone. The air seemed charged with energy. Each note that poured forth seemed to invigorate my body, encouraging me to move with renewed fervor. It wasn't a performance, nor was it a class, but a dance of pure expression, a conversation with the music, an unspoken dialogue between my body and the timeless rhythm.
For many dancers, ballet music becomes an intrinsic part of their lives. The music, like a constant companion, is the soundtrack to their training, their performances, and their innermost dreams. Its melodies seep into their thoughts, shaping their every movement and expression.
To me, the connection between dance and music feels almost spiritual. There is a palpable energy in the music, a vibration that courses through our veins, and it's that energy that makes us leap, spin, and glide. Ballet music has a magical power. It awakens our inner dancer, it unleashes the emotions we keep hidden deep within, and it inspires us to create, to express, to live.
I wear a classic pink tutu to practice in every week - you cannot be a ballet dancer and not love a good tulle. The ballerina’s tutus are generally made from layers of delicate, fine tulle that gives the skirt the iconic, cloud-like appearance that we know so well. They also often have elaborate, decorative trim at the hem. It is difficult to pick just one pink tutu because there is such a wealth of choices – and not all pinks are the same! I tend to opt for the salmon-ish pale pink as it looks truly fabulous on a blonde – such as myself, obviously.
I’ve paired it today with a leotard, not just any leotard, it is a pink leotard but a darker hue, an almost fuschia shade, the most beautiful fuschia pink with elegant white accents. You can hardly imagine how well the two go together! My leotard and tutu pair are perfection - the ballet is calling for a great dance day. As the dance unfolds, our story will be one that has been written with both movement and music, a tale whispered by the notes, etched in the gestures.
Ballet music, my darlings, is more than just a backdrop to the spectacle of movement. It is a living, breathing force that weaves itself into our beings, and elevates the art of ballet to new heights. Go on then, close your eyes, let the music take you away, and allow the rhythm of the music to guide you through your own graceful ballet.