Buzz
While browsing through numerous lists on Mytour, I came across an important oversight: there was no mention of Ballets. This struck me as rather unfortunate. Ballet has seen a decline in popularity, especially here in America, where I reside. The music in ballet is just as, if not more, exquisite than any other piece ever composed. When combined with flawless, graceful movements and breathtaking performances, Ballets can be an emotional experience that moves you to tears, laughter, and emotions you may have never known before. Here’s a list of the Ten Greatest Ballets.
10. Cinderella Choreography by Rostislav Zakharov, Music by Sergei Prokofiev
Numerous versions of this ballet exist, but the original was first performed in 1945 in Moscow, Russia. Prokofiev is one of my all-time favorite composers, with extraordinary talent, and his version of Cinderella is no exception. Based on the beloved fairy tale, the ballet is renowned for its marvelous score and a distinctly humorous tone. I believe the opening of the ballet features one of the most beautiful musical pieces, yet it remains relatively unknown.
9. Don Quixote Choreography By: Marius Petipa, Music By: Ludwig Minkus
Originally staged in Moscow, Russia in 1869, this enchanting ballet draws inspiration from Miguel de Cervantes' 'Don Quixote de la Mancha.' The story follows the titular Don Quixote on his noble quest of chivalry, where he aims to defeat mythical creatures. With its lively music and whimsical charm, this ballet was originally performed in four acts and eight scenes, making it one of the most beloved and fun ballets to date.
8. The Sleeping Beauty Choreographed by Marius Petipa, Music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Not the Disney adaptation, but this stunning ballet features some of the most iconic music ever composed. Premiered in 1890 in St. Petersburg, Russia, it is based on Charles Perrault's 'La Belle au bois Dormant.' The plot follows Princess Aurora, cursed to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and sleep for a century, only to be awakened by a prince's kiss. Their marriage concludes this timeless story, accompanied by magnificent musical scores.
7. A Midsummer Night's Dream Choreographed by Frederick Ashton, Music by Felix Mendelssohn
The newest ballet on our list, premiered in 1962, owes much of its creation to Balanchine, who orchestrated the entire production. Though Mendelssohn’s music wasn't originally composed for ballet, it was adapted from his background music for the play, turning into the perfect accompaniment. Based on Shakespeare's renowned play, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' this ballet has quickly established itself as a favorite in the world of American ballet.
6. Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) Choreography by Vaslav Nijinski, Music By Igor Stravinsky
I have to confess, it was incredibly tough not to rank this ballet higher (closer to number 1). It’s my personal favorite, but I kept it at a lower position because its duration is only about 30 minutes. Despite this, the significance, beauty, and emotional weight of this ballet are undeniable. Premiering in Paris in 1913, it famously incited a riot. Audiences, accustomed to the grandeur of traditional Russian ballet, were unprepared for the rawness of the music and the starkly angular, jarring choreography. Today, it’s much more appreciated. The story centers around a young girl who dances herself to death as a sacrifice to the god of spring.
5. La Bayadère (The Temple Dancer) Choreography by Marius Petipa, Music by Ludwig Minkus
Premiering in 1877 in St. Petersburg, Russia, 'La Bayadère' is a four-act ballet considered by many to be Marius Petipa’s masterpiece. The plot revolves around Nikiya and Solor, who vow eternal fidelity to each other. However, the High Brahmin, consumed by jealousy, plots to have Solor killed, but his scheme fails. Instead, Nikiya meets her demise at the hands of a snake sent by Rajah, who believes Solor should marry his daughter. As Solor prepares to wed Rajah’s daughter, the gods punish the characters, leading to their tragic deaths in the temple. While this summary is brief, the ballet features iconic moments like the 'Kingdom of Shades' scene.
4. The Nutcracker Choreographed by: Petipa and Ivanov, Music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Although this ballet was initially met with widespread criticism when it premiered in 1892 in St. Petersburg, it has since become one of the most beloved ballets, largely due to its strong association with Christmas. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,' the story follows a young girl named Clara, who is magically shrunk to the size of a mouse. She embarks on an adventure with her cherished Nutcracker, who leads an army of toys to battle the evil Mouse King. After the battle, the Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince, and they journey to the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Confiturembourg, where they live happily ever after. With its iconic music and enchanting choreography, 'The Nutcracker' remains a classic of 20th-century ballet.
3. Swan Lake Choreography by Julius Reisinger, Music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky
First performed in 1877 in Moscow, the ballet was originally titled 'The Lake of the Swans,' but after major revisions by Marius Petipa and Riccardo Drigo in 1895, it became the 'Swan Lake' that we know today. Upon its initial performance, the ballet was harshly criticized for being too complex and unmemorable. However, it has since evolved into Tchaikovsky's magnum opus and his first ballet. The story tells of Odette, a princess cursed by Von Rothbart to live as a swan by day and a human by night. Prince Siegfried falls in love with her after seeing her swan form turn into a woman, but their love is sabotaged when he is tricked into falling for Odile, Von Rothbart's daughter who looks identical to Odette. This leads to Odette being permanently cursed as a swan. Realizing his mistake, Siegfried seeks forgiveness, but it is too late, and both lovers ultimately die and ascend to heaven. This tragic tale has been adapted into numerous works, including the 2010 Academy Award-winning film 'Black Swan,' as well as stories like 'Shrek' and Disney's 'The Swan Princess.' 'Swan Lake' remains one of the greatest ballets of all time.
Notables not listed: Paquita, Coppélia (I so wanted to include it), Spartacus, Peter Pan, Anastasia, and Firebird.
2. Romeo and Juliet Choreography by Leonid Lavrovsky, Music by Sergei Prokofiev
Another ballet inspired by the works of William Shakespeare, this story is widely recognized. First performed in 1938 in Czechoslovakia, it underwent substantial revisions before re-debuting in 1940 in Leningrad, Russia. This ballet is regarded as the pinnacle of both music and movement, and is considered Prokofiev’s magnum opus. It is one of those rare ballets that cannot be fully explained through words—its true beauty can only be understood by experiencing its music, movement, and color. Even now, just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.
1. Giselle Choreography by Coralli and Perot, Music by Adolphe Adam
One of the most coveted roles in the world of ballet is the title role in 'Giselle.' Based on Heinrich Heine's poem, the story centers around a young peasant girl, Giselle, who falls in love with a nobleman disguised as a commoner, unaware of his true identity. When Hilarion, another suitor of Giselle, reveals the nobleman’s secret, Giselle realizes they cannot be together, and in her heartbreak, she dies of a broken heart. In the second act, Hilarion visits Giselle's grave, where he encounters the Wilis—spirits of women who have died before their time. They drag him into a river, causing his death. When the nobleman arrives, the Wilis condemn him as well, but Giselle’s spirit intervenes, sparing his life. She then peacefully departs to the afterlife. With its emotional depth and breathtaking choreography, 'Giselle' remains a timeless classic in the world of ballet and entertainment.
