Ballet Piano Podcast

In this episode, David Yow talks us through what dancers experience as they transfer from barre to centre, with Music for Port de Bra. David educates us on the literal translation of port de bras, and how port de bras enhances the footwork to create a complete look for ballet. David teaches verbally how to find the basic arm positions, and talks through some standard port de bras sequences.  This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk

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In this episode, David Yow talks us through what dancers experience as they transfer from barre to centre, with this first exercise which is a centre port de bras.  

He educates us on the literal translation of port de bras, and how port de bras enhances the footwork to create a complete look for ballet. David teaches verbally how to find the basic arm positions, and talks through some standard port de bras sequences.  

The pianists discuss how they adapt their repertoire for this particular exercise and how they sensitively help dancers find coordination, épaulement, and head alignment through music. 

The podcast team reference the late Sir Fredrick Ashton, who was famous for port de bras and David uses a ‘tree trunk’ analogy to explain how imperative the back is for aiding port de bras.

Musically, the pianists discuss their different approaches to this exercise, and listen out for some anomalies, such as unusual introductions, and even a Mazuka for port de bras!       

Listen to this episode where we celebrate reaching the last barre exercise, and lift the lid on Music for Grand Battement and Grand Battement en cloche! In this episode David gives a brief lesson on the difference between Grand Battement and the en cloche, and gives an example of how he would sing this exercise when he’s setting it for the dancers and pianist. This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk

Listen to this episode where we celebrate reaching the last barre exercise, and lift the lid on Grand Battement and Grand Battement en cloche!

In this episode David gives a brief lesson on the difference between Grand Battement and the en cloche, and gives an example of how he would sing this exercise when he’s setting it for the dancers and pianist.

Listen to the three pianists as they discuss what they are looking for and listening for so they can choose the correct piece of music, and the importance of two very different tempi depending on where the accent is placed.

The podcast team then discuss some of the celebrations and the pitfalls of Grand Battement and how they help the dancers complete their barre successfully and get ready for the centre.

Listen out for the “gun shot” analogy and other comical anecdotes from the team.

In this episode we're lifting the lid on Music for Adage and Rond De Jambe En L'air. We talk about being indulgent and inspirational, what we love to play, why we love to play it and more! This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk

In this episode we're lifting the lid Adage and Rond De Jambe En L'air. We talk about being indulgent and inspirational, what we love to play, why we love to play it and more! 

This week we're lifting the lid on the Music for Frappe. We're striking the match on quick codas, 2/4 and occasionally tarantella. As always, David Yow explains how this exercise is put together, its purpose and the choreographic intricacies. As usual we'll deviate from the subject matter slightly and open up the floor to each other for questions, queries and stories - and also a chance for Chris to confess his love of 80s music and TV themes!

This episode is proudly produced and published by PodcastRecording.co.uk

This week we're lifting the lid on the frappe exercise. We're striking the match on quick codas, 2/4 and occasionally tarantella. As always #DavidYowOfInstagram explains how this exercise is put together, its purpose and the choreographic intricacies. As usual we'll deviate from the subject matter slightly and open up the floor to each other for questions, queries and stories - and also a chance for Chris to confess his love of 80s music and TV themes!