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Seven classic ballets highlighting strength and grace
Ballet is a great performing art that has captivated audiences for centuries. Incredible feats of strength and grace are on display, to say nothing of the emotion of the performance, the music and the power of live performance.
But it can be difficult for a newcomer to understand. Ballet tells stories without words, and there are so many performances that it can be difficult to know where to start.
Here are seven ballets that you should see. They’re all regulars on the circuit, and if you’re worried about not understanding what’s going on, treat yourself to the collectable program that most companies sell at performances.
It will have a summary of the performance, and some helpful essays (and beautiful photos) to help you immerse yourself in this wonderful art form.
Swan Lake: Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, it is quite possibly the most famous ballet of all time. And yet it’s also one where people don’t often know the story. So, what you need to know is that Swan Lake shares the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse, and Prince Siegfried’s quest to save her. With the right dancers, it is both haunting and beautiful. The ballet’s iconic “white swan” and “black swan” pas de deux (a scene where two dancers dance together) are highlights that showcase the dancers’ technical prowess and emotional depth.
The Nutcracker: Another Tchaikovsky classic, it’s a holiday favourite. There is always a ballet company that puts this on for Christmas, so it’s one of the easiest to see. The ballet tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Her journey through the Land of Sweets, guided by the Nutcracker Prince, is filled with enchanting characters and memorable music, with the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy alone a must-see.
Romeo and Juliet: No, this is not a theatre list. There’s a well-renowned, exceptional ballet based on the Bard’s tragic love story. Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet brings Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy to life through dance. The ballet captures the passion and heartbreak of the young lovers with powerful choreography and a stirring score. The balcony scene and the final tomb scene are particularly poignant moments in this adaptation. You’ll recognise the music when you hear it; it’s perhaps one of the most famous ballet scores of all.
The Sleeping Beauty: Tchaikovsky’s (yes, three in the top four) The Sleeping Beauty is a fairy tale ballet that tells the story of Princess Aurora, cursed to sleep for 100 years until awakened by her true love’s kiss. The ballet is known for its grandiose production, intricate choreography and the famous Rose Adagio where Aurora balances en pointe (a French term used in ballet to describe a dancer standing on the tips of their toes, showcasing skill and grace) while being supported by four suitors.
Don Quixote: Based on Miguel de Cervantes’ iconic novel, it’s a vibrant and energetic ballet. The story follows the adventures of the delusional knight Don Quixote and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza. The ballet is known for its Spanish flair, dazzling costumes and the famous Kitri’s Variation, a challenging solo for the lead ballerina. If you ever see this performance, you will almost certainly see one of the world’s great ballerinas in the cast because the director will ensure that they deliver an incredible lead performance.
La Bayadère: It’s a tale of love, betrayal and redemption set in ancient India. The ballet’s most famous scene, The Kingdom of the Shades, features a mesmerising procession of ballerinas in white tutus, performing synchronised arabesques (another French term, which literally means “in Arabic fashion,” this is a body position in which a dancer stands on one ‘supporting’ leg with the other ‘working’ leg turned out and extended behind the body, with both legs held straight.) The ballet’s exotic setting and dramatic storyline make it a visual and emotional feast.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: George Balanchine’s adaptation of this Shakespearean classic is a whimsical and enchanting ballet. The story of love, magic and mischief in an enchanted forest is brought to life with Balanchine’s signature style and Felix Mendelssohn’s delightful score. The ballet’s dreamlike quality and playful choreography make it a joy to watch.
Once you’ve worked your way through this collection, you will be well-versed and ready to watch many more, with a greater appreciation of this art form.
