When one thinks of ballet, what often comes to mind is the beautiful music of Swan Lake, for example, by the brilliant composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Few people, however, will know that Lev Ivanov was one of the original choreographers of the ballet, yet many will immediately recognize the name Tchaikovsky and may have even listened to his music independently of the ballet.
In short, even though ballet and music are intrinsically connected, few ballet students – and perhaps even some dance professionals – know much about the art of music or how to wed dance to music in a meaningful and artistic manner.
This was far less the case in former times. Many ballet masters could play a musical instrument, and some could even compose sophisticated music. Today music education is very limited in public education, such that many ballet students may well have never even listened to classical music.
How does this affect their dance education and experience? It certainly diminishes the ability to interpret the music. Indeed, the very concept of musicality, which was so encouraged in ballet performances in the past, seems to have gone by the wayside.
Ironically, there are now many YouTube videos on basic musical education, which provide an introduction to the basics of music, at no cost. We are so fortunate now to have free access to many educational tools and brilliant performances of both music and dance right on our phones and computers.
How can this benefit a dance student? – increased understanding of beat, rhythm, phrasing, and character, to start.
Make your dancing life richer and better. Check this out.
#ballet #music #classical ballet #classical music #dance #ballet class #dance education
balletespressivo.com 