Episode 75 – How Ballet Pianists Prepare For Ballet Class

This episode features Akiko, Chris, and Matt, and is a tea break discussion about their individual physical preparations for a ballet class.  Ballet pianists are artists at the end of the day and so playing for up to six hours daily can require all sorts of preparation to maintain strength and stamina, and to feel fresh for the dancers.

Grabbing that coffee is important, morning exercise to energise the body, thinking about your repertoire, who you’re working with and their needs can affect your personal preparation.

This episode is incredibly insightful and you get to learn even more about the pianists, and the rituals they do to prepare for work.  Akiko in particular will play the same exercises all week at school, but taking it upon herself to change the music daily to stay inspirational and fresh.  That requires a lot of preparation.

It’s not always easy to be a ballet pianist and this episode details what can be done to make life a little easier for yourself, even if you’re long established!