behind barres

Review: Behind Barres Volume VI, By Request

July 30, 2010 by 4dancers

Name: Behind Barres Volume VI, By Request

About: This is another good CD for ballet class by Behind Barres–and by now that shouldn’t be a surprise. Still, this one in particular has some really great music on it–thus the “By Request” in the title. These tracks are actually ones that were asked for again and again.

You can hear adaptations of songs such as “Puttin’ On The Ritz” and other tunes you’ll recognize, which make for a fun class. As with other CDs this company has put out, the sound quality and arrangements are top of the line, so you don’t have to worry about if the songs will sound good in the studio.

Curious? Head over to the site and listen to a few sample tracks to get a feel for what is on this CD.

Finding good music for class is a challenge that I used to dread. Luckily, over the years there have been companies such as this that have sprung up to deliver ballet music that is fun, inspirational, and, just as importantly, good quality. If you can’t have a live pianist in the room with you, at least you can get the next best thing.

Buy this CD or browse others.

Disclosure.

Review: Tune In And Turn Out Volume VIII

July 12, 2010 by 4dancers

Name: Behind Barres Presents: Tune in and Turn Out, Volume VIII

Much like the other CD that I thought could have been a disaster (but was actually quite good) Under the Palms, the thought of teaching a ballet class with an album full of TV theme songs made me a little more than nervous. Once again, I didn’t have to worry…

This fun CD offers up some wonderful music from television shows such as The Munsters, The Flintstones, The Odd Couple and even I Love Lucy. Before I played the tracks, I couldn’t imagine how this might be pretty, but it really is. Although the melodies are the same, the tunes have been expertly arranged so that they are appropriate for the dance classroom (thanks again to Judy Rice and Paul Lewis). I think that students will be amused and entertained listening to the music and matching the songs to the show.

This is a wonderful CD to use as a change of pace to bring a little freshness to the studio environment. After all, who says you can’t have a little fun in ballet class? Tracks are all on the shorter side, so it is probably a good album for beginners, or to use mixed in with another CD for kicks. Adult students are probably the best audience for this, as many of the theme songs are from older TV shows, such as I Dream of Jeanie and the theme from the Carol Burnett Show.

I probably never would have chosen a CD like this for fear that it would be campy and silly, but I would have missed out on a really interesting compilation of music. My students loved it–and to me, that’s what it is all about.

Disclosure

Review: Behind Barres, Volume 1 (Revised)

April 14, 2010 by 4dancers

The CD: Behind Barres, Volume 1 (Revised)

The Details: Over an hour of ballet class music, 25 tracks. This revised CD has doubled the length of nine of the musical selections for the centre work.

The Review: The excellent pairing of Judy Rice and Paul Lewisteam up again for another wonderful ballet class CD featuring selections by Tchaikovsky, Delibes, Minkus and various others. The tracks are infused with emotion and Lewis once again delivers a top-notch performance; although one would expect nothing less from this accomplished ballet accompanist.

The 25-track listing includes a full barre that is suitable for any level class. Centre music is varied and offers petit, medium and grand allegro as well as an adage and pirourette selections. Sample tracks can be heard on the website, including tendu and a medium allegro. It’s a good sampling of what the album has, so if you are interested, be sure and have a listen.

This CD is a good investment since it can be used for all levels and the track lengths are long enough to used in advanced classes. If you are looking for dramatic arrangements, this is also a great pick–many of the selections are very moving. (For something lighter, take a look at Under The Palms.)

Disclosure

Ballet Class CD Review: Under The Palms

March 27, 2010 by 4dancers

CD Title: Under The Palms, Brazilian, Cuban, Creole and other Tropical Music For Ballet Class

By: Behind Barres Presents: Paul Lewis & Judy Rice

I have to confess that I was a little frightened to see what this CD was all about when I heard the title. If done poorly, it could have been a disaster.

Luckily, I had no need to worry.

Under the Palms is a terrific CD for ballet class. If you are ever having a day where you need a little bit of inspiration, use this album and you’ll be in a better mood in no time. Recorded with a single stereo microphone, it gives the music the sound of live piano in the studio. I doubt that it’s possible to feel anything other than energetic when you hear these tracks. So many ballet class CDs sound the same that it was very refreshing to hear something so different–and so good.

Peppy without being campy, I was very impressed that the CD was filled with such thoughtfully arranged tracks. Carefully metered out by Lewis without losing heart and soul, the flow here is palpable. Although most of the music is upbeat, the slower tracks are also quite pretty.

The class was designed by Judy Rice, a professional with over 20 years of experience as an instructor, including time on faculty at the Joffrey Ballet School, Steps and the Broadway Dance Center. Pianist, Paul Lewis has 29 years of experience playing–and it shows. He is the company pianist for the Joffrey Ballet.

Don’t be afraid to take a chance on this CD–it’s better than many of the “regular” ones out there, yet it is truly different. Adding it to your lineup will give you a sunny pick for those days that you need one.

Disclosure

Disclosure – Affiliate & Ad Info

Copyright Notice