When I first started dancing, my teachers always reminded me that music wasn’t just background noise—it was the heartbeat of ballet. And over time, I’ve come to truly understand how deeply music shapes our experience as dancers, choreographers, and even audience members. In ballet, every movement begins with the music. Whether it’s the dramatic swell of Tchaikovsky or the quiet pulse of a minimalist score, the role of music in ballet is more than just accompaniment—it’s the foundation of storytelling and emotion.

Why Music Matters in Ballet

Music provides the rhythm, structure, and emotional texture for ballet. It’s how dancers:

  • Know when to move

  • Understand the dynamics of a phrase (soft vs. strong)

  • Connect emotionally to their character or scene

  • Synchronize in ensemble work

Without music, even the most technically perfect steps can feel hollow. With it, movement comes alive.

Music and Timing: A Dancer’s Sixth Sense

As a dancer, I’ve developed what many of us jokingly call “musical instinct.” You feel the downbeat before it lands, you anticipate the tempo changes before they happen. This is something you develop over time—and it’s essential, especially in group choreography where unison matters.

If you’re just starting out, you might enjoy our article on Ballet Basics to understand how early exposure to music shapes your foundation.

A Brief History of Ballet Music

Baroque and Court Ballets

In the early days of ballet—think Louis XIV—composers like Jean-Baptiste Lully were creating music specifically for elaborate court performances. The music mirrored the formal, ornamental style of dance at the time.

The Romantic Era

This is when music and ballet became truly inseparable. Composers like Adolphe Adam, Leo Delibes, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky elevated ballet with full-length scores that told stories on their own. Giselle, Coppélia, and The Nutcracker are still staples of the repertory today because of how seamlessly the music and choreography work together.

Contemporary Ballet Scores

Today, choreographers collaborate with living composers to create works that push boundaries. Companies like BalletCollective and The Royal Ballet are known for commissioning original scores that challenge dancers and expand ballet’s musical vocabulary.

Related Read: The Evolution of Ballet Costumes also tracks how music influenced changes in costume and storytelling.

How Choreographers Use Music

When choreographers begin creating a ballet, music selection is often the first—and most important—decision. Here’s how it typically influences the creative process:

  • Mood & Emotion: The score sets the emotional tone. A melancholic adagio evokes longing, while an allegro suggests joy or urgency.

  • Structure: Ballets are often choreographed in “phrases” that match the musical counts—usually in 8s or 16s.

  • Highlights: Climactic musical moments become focal points for big lifts, jumps, or dramatic stillness.

  • Characterization: Leitmotifs or recurring themes in the score help define and differentiate characters.

One of the most moving performances I ever danced was to Arvo Pärt’s Spiegel im Spiegel. The choreography was minimal, but every breath and reach felt significant because the music demanded it.

Music and the Audience Experience

As an audience member, you might not always consciously notice the music, but it’s guiding your emotional response. Think about the haunting suspense of Swan Lake’s opening notes or the whimsical playfulness of The Nutcracker’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” The music leads you through the narrative just as much as the movement.

If you’re curious about how these story-driven performances are evolving, I recommend reading our article on The Evolution of Ballet Storytelling.

Famous Ballet Composers to Explore

If you’re looking to deepen your appreciation for ballet music, start here:

  • Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker

  • Igor Stravinsky – The Firebird, Petrushka, The Rite of Spring

  • Sergei Prokofiev – Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella

  • Léo Delibes – Coppélia, Sylvia

  • Philip Glass / Max Richter – Contemporary composers often used in modern ballet works

Final Thoughts

Music in ballet isn’t an afterthought—it’s the pulse that drives every plié, pirouette, and pas de deux. As a dancer, it’s your partner. As a choreographer, it’s your script. And as an audience member, it’s the key to feeling something real and unforgettable.