Music is the invisible partner in every ballet dancer's journey. It sets the tone, inspires movement, and transforms technical exercises into expressive art. Whether you're a teacher crafting the ideal class atmosphere or a student looking to enhance your practice, the right music makes all the difference.

Here's our curated selection of essential music for every part of your ballet journey, from the first plié to the final révérence.

Barre Work: Building Foundation with Rhythm

The barre is where technique is built, and the music needs to provide clear rhythm and supportive energy without overpowering the dancer's focus.

Pliés & Tendus

Start with steady, lyrical pieces that allow for sustained, fluid movement.

  • "The Sleeping Beauty: Introduction" Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
  • "Méditation" from Thaïs Jules Massenet
  • "Gymnopédie No. 1" Erik Satie

Rond de Jambe & Frappés

Introduce more defined rhythms and slightly brighter tempos to energize the exercises.

  • "Swan Lake: Spanish Dance" Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
  • "The Seasons, Op. 37b: June (Barcarolle)" Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
  • "Waltz in A Minor, B. 150" Frédéric Chopin

Grand Battement

Finish the barre with powerful, expansive music that encourages full extension and dynamic energy.

  • "The Firebird: Infernal Dance" Igor Stravinsky
  • "Overture" from William Tell Gioachino Rossini
  • "Boléro" Maurice Ravel

Center Practice: Taking Flight

Center work requires music with clear phrasing and emotional depth to support the development of artistry alongside technique.

Adagio

Choose music with long, sweeping phrases and emotional depth to support balance, extension, and control.

  • "Pavane pour une infante défunte" Maurice Ravel
  • "Clair de Lune" Claude Debussy
  • "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot Giacomo Puccini

Pirouettes

Opt for music with a clear, consistent pulse and a sense of build-up to help dancers find their spot and control their turns.

  • "The Nutcracker: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
  • "String Quartet No. 2: III. Notturno" Alexander Borodin
  • "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" Claude Debussy

Petit & Grand Allegro

Energy is key! Select pieces with light, precise rhythms for small jumps and powerful, driving themes for big jumps.

  • "The Comedians: Galop" Dmitry Kabalevsky
  • "Coppélia: Mazurka" Léo Delibes
  • "Spartacus: Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia" Aram Khachaturian
  • "Sabre Dance" Aram Khachaturian

Modern & Contemporary Cross-Training

Expand your musicality and movement quality with these versatile picks.

  • "Experience" Ludovico Einaudi
  • "Oxygen" Woodkid
  • "Runaway" Aurora
  • "The Beauty" The Cinematic Orchestra