Ballet is a dance of air and earth—where grace meets gravity, and music breathes life into movement. Whether you’re warming up at the barre, choreographing a contemporary piece, or simply dreaming in tendu, the right soundtrack can elevate your artistry. Here’s a curated playlist blending classical masterpieces and modern gems to inspire every plié, pirouette, and grand jeté.
Classical Reverie
- Tchaikovsky – "Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act II No. 10"
The quintessential ballet score—haunting, lyrical, and eternally elegant. - Debussy – "Clair de Lune"
A moonlit soundscape for fluid adagios or introspective improvisation. - Saint-Saëns – "The Dying Swan (Le Cygne)"
Cellos weep and soar, perfect for expressive port de bras. - Chopin – "Nocturne in E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2"
Delicate piano melodies to soften rehearsals or center your focus.
Modern Alchemy
- Ólafur Arnalds – "Near Light"
Neo-classical magic with electronic whispers—ideal for contemporary ballet. - Hania Rani – "Buka"
Pulsing piano rhythms that blur the line between tension and release. - Nils Frahm – "Says"
A hypnotic loop-building masterpiece for experimental choreography. - Agnes Obel – "Familiar"
Echoing vocals and strings that feel like dancing in a ghostly reverie.
Hidden Gems
- Joby Talbot – "Winter" (from The Seasons)
A lesser-known orchestral jewel, crackling with crystalline energy. - Library Tapes – "Fragment #28"
A minimalist piano sketch for quiet moments of creation. - Aukai – "Branches of Sun"
Acoustic guitar and cello weaving a delicate, sun-dappled tapestry.
Tip: Let the music guide you beyond technique. A rond de jambe might become a brushstroke, or a chaînés turn a whirlwind—these tracks are your collaborators. Press play, close your eyes, and dance before you even move.
