A Dance With Destiny: The Ballet Music of Today
17th March 2025
Oh, darlings! It's been a whirlwind week, haven't you noticed? As the world twirls on its axis, and our own hearts flutter like butterflies caught in a spotlight, let's take a peek behind the curtain and explore the enchanting world of ballet music! Oh, how it moves us!
I have my pink tutu on, of course! It’s the one that evokes pure whimsy with its delicate lace, a twirling cloud of pastel perfection. And to complement its innocent charm, I’ve slipped on a midnight blue leotard, a touch of drama to add depth to my celestial ensemble. Now, let's step into the shoes of our dancers, their emotions reflected in every note. It's time for a grand pas de deux!
**First, we have our Tchaikovsky, our beloved master, the grandaddy of romantic ballet music.** Oh, the sweeping emotions! The delicate yearning! It’s enough to melt even the iciest of hearts. From the whimsical “Sugar Plum Fairy” of "The Nutcracker," transporting us to a fantastical world of swirling snowflakes and glistening sweets, to the mournful cries of "Swan Lake" where love, betrayal, and longing collide - Tchaikovsky speaks a universal language. This year, there was a remarkable re-interpretation of "Swan Lake" at the Royal Opera House by renowned choreographer, Marie-Claire Dupont. A blend of traditional techniques with contemporary interpretations of movement! I saw it all last week, it was so powerful, even the most hardened critic could not escape the raw beauty of it.
**Now, let’s take a step into a contemporary realm.** It’s time to twirl with Philip Glass, a genius of minimal yet monumental scores. “Satyagraha” has a particular pull on my imagination, especially in this modern day and age. Those hauntingly beautiful strings weave a poignant tapestry that’s truly evocative. It's all about inner strength and defiance, a powerful statement without sacrificing beauty. And speaking of beauty, just take a look at the recent collaboration between the New York City Ballet and the celebrated artist, Emily Smith, who designed a new backdrop for “Satyagraha." The breathtaking simplicity of Smith's vision added an entire new layer of interpretation to Glass' music! It felt like an encounter between an ancient story and the beating heart of modern life! What a phenomenal example of ballet music resonating in an entirely new context.
Let’s talk about the big dance news!
It’s a real feast for the senses, my dears! A whirlwind of stunning performances and innovative creations! It's truly exciting, how dance keeps evolving. The past week, in particular, has been a vibrant canvas for all things graceful, moving, and exciting!
Let's explore some of the headlines:
*"The Swan's Embrace: New Interpretation Of "Swan Lake" Charms Critics":
The Royal Opera House hosted an utterly magnificent re-imagining of “Swan Lake” by rising star choreographer, Marie-Claire Dupont. Dupont's reinterpretation pays homage to tradition while embracing a contemporary twist. It’s truly enchanting! *"Breaking Boundaries: A Ballet Choreographed to the Music of Rihanna:":
Can you believe it, darlings? Rihanna’s infectious pop rhythms have found a home on the grand stage! This is something to talk about! In the bustling, frenetic streets of London, at the grand Sadler’s Wells theatre, this show brought together an ensemble of some of the most talented dancers. And I’m not just talking about their technical prowess but also their undeniable charisma! This ballet is a a daring collision of style and contemporary urban movements! It’s a dance spectacle for a new era, and the music simply propelled everyone’s performance!* “Tchaikovsky for the Modern Era: Ballet Choreographed to the Music of ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’ Premieres to Rave Reviews” :
I’m just absolutely smitten with the new interpretation of “A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Paris Opera! Choreographer Jerome Delacroix's vision took Shakespeare's fantastical play to new heights! The music truly soars, just like a graceful ballerina defying gravity!* “A Touch of Jazz: Ballet Takes a Dip in the Big Apple”
This is so fabulous. The City Ballet brought back Jerome Robbins' iconic choreography of “West Side Story,” set against Leonard Bernstein’s legendary score. It was a breath of fresh air for the New York City Ballet! So electrifying, darlings. So inspiring! We’re talking timeless classics that get revived with a sense of unmatched passion and artistry.Now, let's take a look at some of the emerging ballet musicians making a big impact:
*“A symphony of sound:” The Orchestra of the Future. This vibrant ensemble brings a new depth to classical ballet, reimagining traditional compositions with fresh vitality. They’ve got a truly incredible upcoming tour - featuring stops at major cities around the world.
*“Beyond The Dancefloor: DJ Elevate’s Unique Blend”: This is cutting-edge ballet music. It’s not your traditional, orchestral sounds, and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart! But Elevate’s talent for seamlessly fusing orchestral music with electronic elements, he has given ballet scores a futuristic twist. It's definitely exciting and exhilarating! Definitely check out their website and give a listen to the music!
* “A Chorus of Color: The Debut of Composer, Luna Cruz” : Luna Cruz's debut has been making waves! Her composition for the Ballet National de Cuba’s "La Gitana” has garnered a lot of positive press. I simply must hear this music!
And my darlings, that brings us to the end of our dance journey. We have toured the world of ballet music from the soaring highs of romantic ballet classics to the pulse-pounding energy of contemporary compositions. What’s most important is how music takes us on a journey that resonates in every cell, every fibre, of our being! So, grab your tutus, and your favorite ballet slippers, and let the music lead the way.