The Ultimate Ballet Class Playlist
Music That Inspires Every Plie and Pirouette
The right music is the silent partner in every ballet class—a steady rhythm for tendus, a soaring melody for grand battements, a supportive cushion for balances. It doesn't just keep time; it inspires artistry, fuels passion, and transforms technical exercises into moving expressions. Whether you're a teacher building a curriculum or a student practicing at home, this playlist is curated to carry you from the first plié at the barre to the final révérence.
Barre: Setting the Foundation
The barre is our foundation. The music here should be clear, rhythmic, and supportive, with a steady tempo that allows for precision and warmth in the muscles.
Plies & Battements Tendu: "The Swan" from Carnival of the Animals
Camille Saint-Saëns
Purpose: Creates a calm, focused atmosphere for slow, controlled movements.Ronds de Jambe & Fondus: "Méditation" from Thaïs
Jules Massenet
Purpose: Its lyrical, flowing melody encourages seamless connection and sustained movement.Frappés & Petits Battements: "Valse Bluette"
Cesare Pugni
Purpose: Light, crisp, and sparkling—perfect for sharp, precise strikes and quick movements.Grands Battements: "The Great Gate of Kiev" from Pictures at an Exhibition
Modest Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel)
Purpose: Powerful, majestic, and grand—it gives dancers the energy to lift their legs with purpose and drama.Center: Taking Flight
In the center, we take the strength from the barre and add artistry, coordination, and expression. The music needs more character, dynamics, and emotional depth.
Adagio: "Adagio for Strings"
Samuel Barber
Purpose: Deeply emotional and expansive, it supports slow, sustained balances and développés that require immense control and feeling.Turns (Pirouettes & Chaînés): "Waltz of the Flowers" from The Nutcracker
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Purpose: The classic 3/4 time is ideal for pirouettes. Its buoyant, spinning quality makes you want to turn forever.Small Jumps (Allegro): "Gymnopédie No. 1"
Erik Satie
Purpose: Its off-beat, minimalist charm is perfect for glissades, assemblés, and jetés, adding a touch of modernity and grace.Allegro: The Grand Finale
Big jumps are the exclamation point of class! The music must be exhilarating, rhythmically strong, and bursting with joy to help dancers soar.
Medium Jumps: "Comedians' Galop" from The Comedians
Dmitry Kabalevsky
Purpose: Playful, fast, and incredibly fun. It’s impossible to listen to without a smile, perfect for sissonnes and échappés.Grand Allegro: "Pas de Deux" from The Sleeping Beauty (Act III)
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Purpose: The epitome of classical bravura. This music commands powerful grand jetés, soaring cabrioles, and breathtaking traveling steps.Cool Down & Révérence: A Graceful Finish
Class ends as it began: with grace, respect, and a moment to absorb the work.
"The Fairy Garden" from Mother Goose Suite
Maurice Ravel
Purpose: Ethereal, gentle, and peaceful. It provides a serene soundscape for stretching and a final, respectful bow to the teacher and pianist.Pro Tip for the Digital Age:
Streaming services are a treasure trove. Search for albums by renowned ballet pianists like Richard Bonynge or compilations titled "Music for Ballet Class." These are often structured with the perfect tempo and length for each exercise. Don't be afraid to mix classical masters with modern film scores or minimalist composers—sometimes the perfect piece for a tendu series is hiding in a unexpected place.
So, lace up your shoes, press play, and let the music guide you. It's more than a metronome; it's the soul of the class, waiting to lift you higher, help you stretch further, and inspire the dancer within.
