Ah, music. The very essence of our dance. As dancers, we are driven by the rhythmic pulse, the melodic story, the dramatic crescendo. The music *is* our story. It paints our emotions on the stage, and allows us to tell our tales, without a word needing to be uttered. And oh, what tales are told through ballet music!
Today, 06 January 2025, we are celebrating the art form that makes our leaps soar, our pirouettes spin, our movements flow – ballet music. And we will be reviewing the news in the style of a dancer, of course! Just as our graceful limbs weave patterns of movement across the stage, so will our thoughts on this elegant and captivating world of sound flow effortlessly before you.
We've been spinning, turning, leaping through the world of music, picking out those pieces that have enthralled, inspired, and made our hearts skip a beat this week.
So let's begin!
London Ballet's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' PremiereFirst, let's pirouette our way over to London where the Royal Ballet has premiered a new production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Now, this ballet is something special, and the music...oh the music. It's a truly dreamy blend of Felix Mendelssohn's beautiful melodies. And speaking of dreams, we're sure audiences will be left floating on air after witnessing this magical production. Let's talk about the tutus for a moment. Oh, my darling, the fairies look positively ethereal in their gossamer tulle. And there's just *something* about the way a blush-pink tutu catches the light that makes it so alluring... You need a leotard to match! Maybe something with a sprinkle of sparkle? The colour of the setting sun would work nicely.
A World Premiere in Moscow: Stravinsky and the Modern Ballet Next, our gaze drifts to Moscow. A world premiere! Now, the ballet world just isn't the same without a world premiere! A bold new piece by a rising young choreographer featuring a truly dazzling selection of music by Igor Stravinsky. Let's not mince words - this is **avant-garde** at its most exciting! It's as if Stravinsky himself was there on stage, pulling the strings, guiding the dancers with his rhythmically complex genius. The energy of the performance was simply electric, making us wish we could step into the music ourselves and dance along. There was this *sense* of exploration... It left us wanting more. So now the quest for the perfect dancewear begins. You want something fierce, you want something fierce and yet so, *so* beautiful. A leotard in emerald green perhaps, and tights, the blackest black you can find! A nod to those bold silhouettes, like the dancers in the world-premiere in Moscow, creating new meaning from a dance perspective.
New York City Ballet's Celebration of Balanchine
Now, the world's most famous ballet company, New York City Ballet, has just held a celebration in honor of its founder, the legendary George Balanchine. It was, of course, a dazzling affair - and the program featured many of his signature ballets. Oh, the emotions! It felt like every arabesque and every fouetté carried with it the legacy of Balanchine himself. And who can forget those timeless musical scores? The lush strings of Tchaikovsky in **Swan Lake** have an unforgettable allure that never ceases to amaze. Even the most stoic heart will feel the magic! But speaking of magic, remember we need to add that *extra* sparkle for a ballet class! I'm thinking black tulle - and by the way, have you seen the amazing selection of diamante embellished crop tops this season?! Oh, I do believe we have found our perfect combination of comfort and glam, ladies.
Berlin's State Ballet: 'The Sleeping Beauty' Gets a Twist
Back in Europe, we are transported to the German capital of Berlin, for something really exciting. Berlin's State Ballet, has decided to give the classic **'The Sleeping Beauty'** a contemporary spin. It is definitely bold! It has not lost the majesty of the traditional story, but now, oh how it sparkles! We adore the intricate, complex musical score of Tchaikovsky - and for the dancing, we were enthralled. Each step, each turn was imbued with new meaning. Now for the ultimate *je ne sais quoi*, for that effortless, *chic* ballerina look, how about a chic black leotard, something a little daring - maybe a deep V back? Oh, and *oh* a classic tutu! Nothing says ballerina more. And when in doubt, add sparkle, darling! We think that will complete this perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern flair. We might want a tiara, or a flower for our hair? Oh, there are simply *too* many wonderful choices!
And now, let's look back at the past week...And there is much to be said. There's just been a fascinating symposium on ballet music at the **Royal Opera House** in London, exploring the evolution of composing for ballet, from the Romantic era all the way to contemporary experimental styles. Did you know? Even electronic music and opera are beginning to work their way into contemporary ballets. Our ballet dance studios will be alight with sound! Imagine **Philip Glass** and **Arvo Pärt** - all woven into beautiful ballets! And oh, we simply cannot forget the most delightful development! A ballet-inspired fashion collection from one of London's most lauded designers just hit the runway. Each garment a testament to the grace and movement of the art form. And if you want the *very* latest in chic ballerina fashion, make sure you check out this collection - just for the look, if nothing else! This week has proven that ballet music is as vibrant as ever!
Oh, this season's dance wear!
For those *must-have* leotards, we simply have to have:
- A deep green, almost moss, coloured one to capture that modern, bold aesthetic. Add a simple pair of tights. We are speaking elegant and simple. You want this colour to truly stand out. And then for that **je ne sais quoi** we shall add some of the very *latest* designs! They even have sparkle - this time just tiny silver!
- Something elegant in blush pink - and the most *amazing* deep cut, which looks incredibly sensual but classy. But for *that* one, you will be needing a pink tutu and your favourite pink satin slippers,
- And our final leotard pick is the *essential* chic black. A long sleeved design, perhaps, for that very ballet, and elegant but bold, look - we simply love the feel and fit, especially if it's designed for performance and movement. For that you have *simply* *got* to pick the black satin pointe shoes, nothing more. You need those sharp angles. We don't want anything to interfere with that beautiful flow, you see!
But let us talk pointe shoes! Ah, this season, ballet stores are *overflowing* with pointe shoes. This is what really gets a dancer's blood pumping. The best thing about a new pair is *knowing* you can add some pretty decorations, to really let your creativity flow! There's simply nothing like a freshly stitched pair of pointe shoes for dancing... That is truly magic! You'll get the same satisfaction of those sparkly crop tops that dance wear designers keep surprising us with.
The world of dance, of ballet music, is a dynamic and exciting one - as much so today as it has always been, constantly evolving, adapting, pushing the boundaries.
As we say goodbye to this wonderful week of news, we’ll be left twirling with happiness. Until the next ballet-inspired review, we wish you all grace and ease in every turn, dear reader. Until we meet again!