Episode 22 of Busy Kids Love Music wraps up our Tchaikovsky series with one of the most famous ballets of all time: Swan Lake. In this episode, we step into the magical world of ballet and discover how Tchaikovsky used music to tell a powerful story of love, mystery, and transformation.
You'll hear how Swan Lake was very different from the ballet music dancers were used to at the time. When Tchaikovsky first wrote it, many dancers and choreographers thought the music was too complicated to dance to! But over time, they realized that the beauty, emotion, and drama in the score made it something truly special—and it went on to become one of the most beloved ballets ever written.
We'll also explore the story behind Swan Lake, including the swan princess Odette and the villain Rothbart, and how the music helps bring their story to life without using words. Tchaikovsky's music doesn't just support the dancing—it helps tell the story, making every scene more meaningful and emotional.
This episode is a wonderful way for families to learn about how music and dance work together in ballet, and how Tchaikovsky changed the way ballet music was written forever.
If your child loves stories, movement, or beautiful music, this episode is a perfect way to experience Swan Lake together.
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Episode 20: The Life of Tchaikovsky
Musical Samples You'll Hear in this Episode:
Dance of the Little Swans (Tchaikovsky)
Music Listening Schedule for Episode 22
Enjoy the links to performances connected to our theme of Swan Lake until our next episode airs in two weeks.
Day 1: Selections from Swan Lake performed by the LA Philharmonic & Misty Copeland
Day 2: Dance of the Little Swans
Day 3: Black Swan pas de deux
Day 4: Swan Lake Theme with cello solo
Day 5: Finale
Day 6: Coda from the Black Swan pas de deux
Day 7: Odette's Entrance
Day 8: The Dying Swan (song was written by Camille Saint-Saens for Carnival of the Animals but is often performed within Swan Lake)
Day 9: Shawn Mendes "In My Blood"/Swan Lake mash up by the Piano Guys
Day 10: The Four Little Swans....errr.....Frogs
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