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Growing up as a pre-professional ballet dancer, I got the most interesting reactions when I described the roles I learned. Sure, I got to do the elegant and expected princess, fairy and flower variations. But when I’d talk about the haunted spirits, the woodland hunter and onstage deaths? Well, my friends looked at me like I was the seven-headed mouse king.
To say I’ve been extremely passionate about ballet my entire life is an understatement. I sacrificed so much for my training, spending more time at the ballet studio than at home and school combined, and dedicating my summers to intensive out-of-state training. After a brief hiatus, I’ve gone back to recreational adult classes. So, when “balletcore” became a trend, I was thrilled to see such a significant part of my life in the spotlight. I was ecstatic to see the trend become more than tulle and satin and actually bring new dancers to recreational ballet for the first time.
As romantic and regal as ballet seems, it’s also incredibly weird. Many of the classic stories were so bizarre that my training programs included classes just on ballet history, diving into the details of the plots and characters. Stories are typically categorized into classical, romantic, neoclassical and contemporary eras, each of which has a defining look and feel. Across all the eras, though, are stories most audiences probably wouldn’t understand without a pre-read. In fact, when I was a very young dancer, my mom would read the storybook summaries to me before we’d spend the day seeing a production at the Lincoln Center to make sure I’d appreciate the artistry and storytelling, not just the dancing.
Of course, you can go to the ballet and enjoy the talent of hardworking dancers, but you’ll probably want to understand what’s happening on stage too. While some modern ballets don’t have a clear narrative, it’s easiest to get acclimated to the genre when you can emotionally invest in the plot and characters, or a distinct aesthetic. Then, you’ll start to build familiarity with what the movement means, giving you a new appreciation for even the most out-there concepts. But first, where do we start?
“Jewels”
I like to think of “Jewels” as the ballet flight. Choreographed by George Balanchine, “Jewels” is a plotless, neoclassical work in three parts. I can guess what you’re thinking: why recommend a plotless ballet for a first performance? Despite its lack of narrative, “Jewels” lets you sample three types of ballets before committing to your first full-length narrative.
The first act, Emeralds, is set to music by Gabriel Fauré and features a romantic style that references 19th-century French technique. The second act, Rubies, is far more striking, with a Stravinsky score and sharp, athletic choreography, reminiscent of American performance. The third act, Diamonds, is regal, representing grand, imperial Russian style with Tchaikovsky selections. The dancers change from long, flowing green dress-like tutus to bright red leotards with mini skirts to white classical tutus, all adorned with dazzling crystals and sparkling tiaras.
What I love most about “Jewels” is the fact that audiences can experience the full array of what the ballet canon has to offer in just two hours; you’ll get to see the clear distinction between the French, American and Russian signatures, which are the three major schools of ballet. While there might not be a plot, you will still feel the difference between all three aesthetics. After you decide which act (or acts) you enjoyed most, you’ll have better insight as to which performance you should attend next.
“Swan Lake”
As one of the most legendary ballets of all time, “Swan Lake” is an exceptional pick for romantasy fans who love drama. Composed by Tchaikovsky, the ballet follows Odette, a princess cursed to be a swan during the day; Siegfried, a prince who wishes to marry for love and becomes connected to Odette; Rothbart, the evil sorcerer who cursed Odette and the other swans; and Odile, Rothbart’s daughter who disguises herself as Odette to deceive Siegfried. The story begins as Prince Siegfried celebrates his birthday in a royal courtyard. When his friends suggest a hunt, he meets Odette and gains her trust before she once again turns into a swan at dawn. At the ball the next day, Rothbart and Odile hide amongst the royal guests presenting marriage suitors for the prince, tricking Siegfried into proclaiming his love for Odile instead of Odette. Both heartbroken, Odette and Siegfried jump into the lake in most stagings, breaking the curse for the rest of the swans and stripping Rothbart of his powers.
Like “Jewels,” you’ll get a taste of ballet’s different textures. The first act includes more romantic-style variations performed by peasant and noble characters alike. You get to see the swan ensemble in the second and fourth acts, which is the definition of majestic. Set in the palace at a royal celebration, the third act includes a number of character dances, which draw on ballet’s earliest heritage as court dances. More impressively, the same dancer traditionally performs the roles of Odette and Odile.
Want to brush up on your “Swan Lake” knowledge before attending a live performance? The Barbie adaptation you may have watched as a kid is actually a strong introduction to the story.
“Sleeping Beauty”
You might be familiar with Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty,” but the ballet is slightly different. A princess still pricks her finger on a spindle, sending the royal court into a deep sleep. Fairies still watch over the princess. And a prince still saves the princess with a true love’s kiss. But beyond the change from “Maleficent” to “Carabosse,” a few major plot differences remain. Unlike the Disney version, Princess Aurora and the court remain asleep for a century before the Lilac Fairy brings Prince Désiré through the forest and to the castle. Plus, the prince never meets Aurora before rescuing her; he only falls in love with a vision of her presented by the Lilac Fairy. Most significantly, where the Disney movie ends at the wedding, the entire third act is the wedding celebration! Fairytale characters like Princess Florine and the Bluebird, Puss in Boots, Red Riding Hood and Cinderella attend and present stories for the newlyweds. Some junior ballet companies, including my former company, would present just the third act, which was a perfect truncation for younger audiences.
Shakespeare Adaptations
It would be hard to talk about drama on stage without referencing The Bard, so thankfully, several dance adaptations of William Shakespeare’s plays exist. “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” are easily the two most popular. According to the New York City Ballet, “Romeo and Juliet” is the second-most choreographed ballet, behind “The Nutcracker,” in the last 60 years. The Prokofiev score is the most common, and you’ve likely heard snippets used in film and TV. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” has been transformed into a one-act ballet entitled “The Dream” by Frederick Ashton, as well as a full program, most famously performed by the New York City Ballet. While “Romeo and Juliet” is best for drama lovers and “The Dream” is ideal for those seeking comedy, you can’t go wrong with either Shakespearean reimagining.
“Dracula”
Curious about other dark romance options? “Dracula” brings the gothic novel to life as a haunting production with multiple famous iterations. Many modern productions feature impressive special effects you might expect to find in plays or musicals. With a markedly darker aesthetic than most would expect from ballets, “Dracula” is quickly growing a following.
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”
If you’re hoping for something a little more lighthearted and whimsical, I don’t blame you. Several versions of Alice’s tales down the rabbit hole exist, but Christopher Wheeldon’s adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic for the Royal Ballet is one of the most popular. As a contemporary ballet, highlights include a tap-dancing Mad Hatter, a highly coordinated playing card corps de ballet and a comic parody of the Rose Adage from “Sleeping Beauty” performed by the Queen of Hearts. You can even watch a 2017 recording of the ballet online through Marquee TV, and several clips are floating around on TikTok! “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” is a great feel-good, family-friendly classic.
Places, Please!
With ballet’s much-needed cultural resurgence marked by trending adult ballet classes and industry stars like Tiler Peck becoming mainstream celebrities, you’ll start to see more familiar-feeling new works debut. In fact, Orlando Ballet is staging “Moulin Rouge” in spring 2027! If you can’t make it to the theatre, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures is currently streaming its production of “Edward Scissorhands.” You don’t have to travel to New York, Paris, London or Moscow to see a breathtaking performance, or wait for a national tour to hit your city. Plenty of regional and junior companies mount productions year-round, including the Dance Alive National Ballet based here in Gainesville. Many of these hometown companies are nonprofit organizations and offer young patron programs, like $30 under-30 ticket deals, to ensure everyone can access great art. Ballet is becoming an increasingly approachable art form, and when you’re ready to take the first step, plenty of great performances await.