Teacher’s Top Three: Music for Adult Ballet

Catherine L. Tully is the Outside Europe Representative for the National Dance Teachers Association in the UK and is also the author of 4dancers.org. She has over 35 years experience in the field and has taught for over 20 years in a variety of contexts. Catherine and I have talked about (and she has written about) her experiences teaching adult students so recently I asked her to select her top three class CD’s for adult ballet. Catherine says:

“Finding good ballet class music is so difficult. I am hard to please, and I want the music I choose to inspire my students, not just provide accompaniment. To that end, I have gone through a lot of CDs searching for ones that have good length, sound and quality. I use these CDs for my intermediate adult ballet class. I find that they truly appreciate it if you take the time to select pretty music that makes them feel like they are dancing—even at the barre. The CDs would also work very well for younger, more advanced students.”

Catherine’s Top Three:

1. Between The Barres 20th Anniversary Edition

This is one of my top picks in terms of barre music. There are quite a selection of tracks available, and most are long enough to do at least two sets of the exercise. Plus, it’s a 2-CD set, and both are excellent. Worth the investment.

2. Russian Music for Ballet Class Vol. 3

Although for me it is difficult to use this CD to do a complete barre and centre, I still am in love with many of the tracks for the sheer beauty of the music here. Track one is my favourite. The whole CD is lovely, and moving. Terrific for inspiring students.

3. Music for Ballet Class IV

I was sent this CD to review recently and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It is a departure from the typical fare out there, but not so much that it is difficult to use for class. The tracks are quite pretty and unexpected. Great if you are experiencing music burn out from your usual lineup.

Do you teach adult ballet?

What are your Top Three?

Originally posted February 9, 2010

Nichelle Strzepek is the writer/editor of Dance Advantage. Equipped with little more than passion for movement education, she embraced her inner computer nerd and began this blog in 2008. She holds a BA in dance and is an instructor with over 16 years experience. Nichelle continues to perform as a contemporary dance artist, covers dance in the Houston area as a freelance writer and critic, and balances daily life as a full-time mom.

Nichelle has written 309 articles for Dance Advantage.