Every dancer knows it: the right music doesn't just accompany a ballet class—it inspires it. From the first plié at the barre to the final grand allegro in the center, the soundtrack of your practice can elevate technique, ignite artistry, and transform a rigorous workout into a moving performance. But crafting the perfect playlist is an art form in itself. It requires an understanding of rhythm, mood, and the specific physical demands of each exercise.
Whether you're a teacher building the foundation for your students or a dedicated dancer curating your home practice vibe, we've got you covered. Here is the ultimate, genre-spanning playlist designed to power you through every part of class, from the grounding barre to the soaring center.
The Barre: Building a Foundation with Rhythm and Grace
The barre is our anchor. It’s where we warm up, find our alignment, and hone our technique. The music here needs to be clear, rhythmic, and supportive—providing a steady pulse without overpowering the intricate work.
Pliés: The Welcome
This is the moment to center yourself and connect with your breath. The music should be lyrical, flowing, and beautiful, allowing for sustained, deep movement.
- Delibes: "The Flower Duet" from Lakmé
- Chopin: Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2
- Tchaikovsky: "Waltz of the Flowers" (slowed, orchestral version)
- Erik Satie: Gymnopédie No. 1
- Yiruma: "River Flows in You"
Tendus & Dégagés: Finding Precision
Time to sharpen the focus. This music needs a crisp, bright, and energetic character with a strong, consistent beat to encourage clean, precise footwork.
- Shostakovich: Jazz Suite No. 2: Waltz No. 2
- Scott Joplin: "The Entertainer"
- Dmitry Kabalevsky: "The Comedians" Suite
- Astor Piazzolla: "Libertango" (classical arrangement)
- W.A. Mozart: Rondo Alla Turca
Ronds de Jambe & Fondus: Sustained Control
These exercises are all about continuous, controlled movement and fluid hip rotation. The music should be legato and song-like, encouraging a seamless quality.
- Camille Saint-Saëns: "The Swan" from The Carnival of the Animals
- Gabriel Fauré: Pavane, Op. 50
- Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
- Jacques Offenbach: "Barcarolle" from The Tales of Hoffmann
- Ludovico Einaudi: "Experience"
Frappés & Petits Battements: Sparkling Speed
Get ready for staccato energy! This music must be light, playful, and incredibly rhythmic to fuel those fast, sharp movements of the feet and legs.
- Dmitry Shostakovich: Polka from The Golden Age
- Gioachino Rossini: "William Tell Overture" (excerpt)
- P.I. Tchaikovsky: "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy"
- Vladimir Horowitz: "The Carmen Variations"
- Danny Elfman: "The Ice Dance" (from Edward Scissorhands)
Grands Battements & Stretches: The Grand Finale
We finish the barre with power and height. The music should build to a dramatic and triumphant climax, giving dancers the energy to kick their highest. This transitions into calming, expansive music for a deep, rewarding stretch.
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: "Scène" from Swan Lake Act II
- Gustav Holst: "Jupiter" from The Planets
- John Williams: "Hedwig's Theme" from Harry Potter
- Max Richter: "On the Nature of Daylight" (for stretching)
- Ólafur Arnalds: "Tomorrow's Song" (for stretching)
The Center: Taking Flight with Artistry
We leave the support of the barre and take our technique into the center. Here, the music becomes a partner in our performance, driving our artistry and expression across the floor.
Adagio: The Heart of the Matter
This is where dancers tell a story. Adagio requires immense strength, balance, and emotional depth. The music must be profoundly beautiful, atmospheric, and soaring to support sustained lines and passionate expression.
- Samuel Barber: Adagio for Strings
- P.I. Tchaikovsky: "Pas d'Action" from Swan Lake
- Ennio Morricone: "Gabriel's Oboe" from The Mission
- Arvo Pärt: "Spiegel im Spiegel"
- Hans Zimmer: "Time" (from Inception)
Pirouettes & Turns: Spinning Magic
Turning is like catching lightning in a bottle—it requires a magical combination of spot, force, and flight. The music should have a building, spinning energy that culminates in a clear musical phrase to signal the preparation and finish.
- Sergei Prokofiev: "Waltz" from Cinderella
- Yann Tiersen: "La Valse d'Amélie"
- Philip Glass: "Metamorphosis Two"
- Clint Mansell: "Lux Aeterna" (requiem for a dream theme)
- Two Steps From Hell: "Heart of Courage"
Petit & Medium Allegro: Quick & Bright
Time for fast feet and happy energy! This music is all about lightness, bounce, and joy. Think sparkling piano, playful strings, and irresistible rhythms that make you want to jump.
- Léo Delibes: "Pizzicato" from Sylvia
- Cesare Pugni: Pas de Six from La Vivandière
- Alexander Glazunov: "Variation of the Doll" from Les Millions d'Arlequin
- Nino Rota: "Carlotta's Galop" from Il Gattopardo
- The Piano Guys: "Bring Him Home" (Bourrée/Vivaldi mashup)
Grand Allegro: The Showstopper
This is the big one—the part of class that feels like flying. The music must be epic, driving, and emotionally charged, giving dancers the courage to soar through the air with powerful jumps and big traveling steps.
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: "Finale" from Swan Lake Act IV
- John Mackey: "Asphalt Cocktail"
- Khachaturian: "Sabre Dance" from Gayane
- Hans Zimmer: "Now We Are Free" (from Gladiator)
- Ruelle: "Live Like Legends"
Révérence: A Final Bow
Class concludes as it began: with grace and gratitude. The révérence is a formal bow to the teacher and pianist, a moment of respect and closure. The music is elegant, gracious, and thankful.
- Frédéric Chopin: "Träumerei" (Reverie)
- Adolphe Adam: "Grande Valse" from Giselle Act I
- Alexander Borodin: "Nocturne" from String Quartet No. 2
- Joe Hisaishi: "The Rain" from Princess Mononoke
This playlist is just a starting point—a collection of timeless classics and modern gems that speak to the soul of a dancer. The true magic happens when the music moves through you, transforming technique into art and exercise into expression. So, put on your leotard, press play, and let the music guide your movement.
Now, it's your turn. What's the one piece of music that always inspires your best dancing? Share your favorites in the comments below!
