Some weeks ago we asked dance instructors around NYC to suggest some of their favorite jazz tunes for their dancers, now we’re doing the same for classical ballet.
The Nutcracker, by Tchaikovsky, is arguable the single most beloved, popular and recognizable ballet. Traditionally performed around Christmas time each year, the work features timeless suites like the “Russian Dance” and the “Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairies.”
We feel it’s just too great a piece to only be left for once a year. The two aforementioned pieces, the “March” and “The Waltz of the Flowers” are invariably crowd pleasers anyone can set their routine to. Don’t forget “Miniature Overture” too!
Second to The Nutcracker in popularity is Swan Lake. While Darren Aronofsky (director of Black Swan) left little room in the minds of the public for genuine, unbridled appreciation of this other brilliant Tchaikovsky composition, the piece offers a tremendous and exhilarating challenge to any ballet dancer. “The Dance of the Swans,” “The Waltz,” and “Swan Theme” are just three selections from the ballet fit for a helluva performance.
For a more unusual and surprising musical selection, you can always rely on Stravinsky for that extra touch of chaos to balance out your perfectly executed routine. The Firebird Suite: Danse Infernale Du Roi Kastchei is a great work to dance to for intermediate as well as advanced ballerinas and dancers.
Bizet’s “Entr’acte” from Carmen is great for less advanced dancers due to its slow, beautiful adagio music. Chopin’s “Prelude in A” is also a slow and steady work great for young dancers or beginners as well as those looking for a piece to flatter a more elaborate and intimate routine.
Finding the right dance instructor in NYC is your first step towards performing to the accompaniment of one of these pieces yourself. Group classes and dance lessons are also always available on HeyKiki.
Maddow follower, Stephen Fry devotee, Oscar Wilde junkie, Colbert Nation patriot, right-handed leftist, NYU sophomore and aspiring retiree. Three things I would want when stranded on a desert island: kindle, Starbucks barista, air guitar.
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