Dancing Keys 3 contains 29 tracks of original solo piano music. Gill Civil’s compositions are clear and expressive, richly textured, and full of life. The CD includes fourteen “bonus tracks”—repeats of existing tracks that are either double length, slower, or faster. This feature makes Dancing Keys 3 suitable for a variety of class levels. However, the usefulness of these extra tracks is dampened somewhat by the fact that they are all lumped together at the end of the disc instead of appearing next to their originals within the class sequence. Even the most melodious CD can be consigned to the bottom of the stack if it’s difficult to use or disrupts the flow of class. It’s a shame this beautiful music collection has been arranged with a built-in handicap, albeit a small one.
There are thirteen tracks for barre, with double-length versions for plies, tendus, jetes, frappes, ronds en l’air, and petit and grand battements. Center contains sixteen tracks including port de bras, tendus, several waltzes, a march, and plenty of allegro music. Meters and are varied and tempi are clear. Adapted tracks here include double-length tendus, waltz, and sautés; a slower waltz and march, and faster allegro for batterie.
Production shortcoming aside, the music on Dancing Keys 3 is simply lovely.
Gill Civil’s Dancing Keys 3 is available on www.pianomusicforballet.com, Amazon.com, and iTunes.
