Every plié, tendu, and grand jeté finds its soul in the music that guides it. For dancers, the right playlist isn't just background noise—it's the invisible partner that sets the tempo, inspires the movement, and elevates technique from mechanical to magical. Whether you're at the barre, in the center, or perfecting your pirouettes, the perfect musical accompaniment can make all the difference.
We've curated the ultimate ballet playlist, broken down by exercise, to help you find the rhythm, phrasing, and emotional depth to perfect your technique. Press play and let the transformation begin.
The Barre: Building Foundation with Rhythm
The barre is your sacred space for building strength, refining alignment, and waking up the body. The music here needs clear, consistent phrasing and a steady tempo to support meticulous work.
Pliés: Deep and Lyrical
- Delibes: "The Flower Duet" from Lakmé - The ultimate in sustained, lyrical control.
- Tchaikovsky: "Waltz of the Flowers" (slower arrangement) - A classic that encourages full, expansive port de bras.
- Erik Satie: Gymnopédie No. 1 - Minimalist, haunting, and perfect for finding depth and breath.
Tendus & Dégagés: Crisp and Clear
- Shostakovich: Jazz Suite No. 2: Waltz No. 2 - A playful, slightly quirky waltz with a strong pulse.
- Saint-Saëns: "The Swan" from The Carnival of the Animals - For slow, controlled, and graceful tendus.
- J.S. Bach: Cello Suite No. 1, Prelude - The clean lines of Bach's counterpoint mirror the precision of a clean tendu.
Rond de Jambe & Frappés: Dynamic and Articulate
- Massenet: "Méditation" from Thaïs - For fluid, continuous rond de jambes.
- Scott Joplin: "The Entertainer" - The ragtime rhythm is perfect for sharp, accented frappés.
- Astor Piazzolla: "Libertango" - Adds fire and passion to any exercise with its driving rhythm.
Grand Battement: Powerful and Majestic
- Khachaturian: "Sabre Dance" from Gayane - High energy for powerful, dynamic kicks.
- Ponchielli: "Dance of the Hours" - A triumphant and classic grand battement choice.
- John Williams: "Imperial March" from Star Wars - Unconventional, but its commanding tone demands powerful, confident movement.
Center Work: Finding Artistry in Movement
Leaving the barre means taking your technique into the realm of artistry. The music needs more nuance, emotional texture, and clear musical cues for changes of direction and dynamics.
Adagio: Sustained and Expressive
- Samuel Barber: Adagio for Strings - The pinnacle of building long, emotional lines and balance.
- Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2, Adagio sostenuto - Deeply romantic and perfect for developing épaulement and expression.
- Arvo Pärt: Spiegel im Spiegel - Minimalist and meditative, ideal for finding absolute control and stillness.
Pirouettes: Focused and Phrased
- Chopin: Nocturnes, Op. 9 No. 2 - The rubato helps dancers learn to "ride" the music rather than fight it.
- Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, Rondo Alla Turca - A bright, precise tempo for clean, multiple turns.
- Yann Tiersen: "La Valse d'Amélie" - A whimsical waltz that helps lighten the preparation and spot.
Allegro & Petit Allegro: Light and Bouncy
- Rossini: William Tell Overture (final section) - Unbeatable for energetic glissades, jetés, and assemblés.
- Drigo: "Serenade" from Les Millions d'Arlequin - The quintessential petite allegro music, light as air.
- Leonard Bernstein: "Mambo" from West Side Story - For sassy, sharp, and syncopated petit allegro.
Grand Allegro: Soaring and Dramatic
- Tchaikovsky: "Rose Adagio" Theme from The Sleeping Beauty - Not just an adagio! Its grandeur supports huge, traveling jumps.
- Saint-Saëns: "Bacchanale" from Samson and Delilah - Exotic, driving, and thrilling for big jumps and turns.
- John Mackey: "Wrong Mountain Stomp" - A modern, pulsing concert band piece that gives grand allegro a fierce, contemporary edge.
Cool Down & Reverence: Grace and Gratitude
Class ends as it began: with grace. Reverence is a thank you—to your teacher, your body, and the art form. The music should be peaceful and resolving.
- Ravel: Pavane pour une infante défunte - A solemn, beautiful, and regal farewell.
- Claude Debussy: Clair de Lune - Dreamy and dissipating, like the final notes of class.
- Max Richter: "On the Nature of Daylight" - A modern, deeply moving piece to reflect on the work done.
Pro Tip: Beyond the Classics
Don't be afraid to explore! Film scores (Thomas Newman, Hans Zimmer), minimalist composers (Philip Glass, Steve Reich), and even certain electronic artists (Ólafur Arnalds, Aphex Twin's slower works) offer incredible rhythms and textures that can revitalize a familiar exercise and bring a fresh perspective to your technique.
This playlist is a starting point, a guide to discovering how different composers and styles can shape your dancing. The most important instrument is your own body. Listen to it, learn how it responds to the music, and curate your own ultimate playlist that makes you want to dance.
Now, tie those ribbons, hit play, and dance.
