At the Ballet

"At the Ballet" is a song from the musical A Chorus Line.

"At the Ballet"
Song
Released1975 (1975)
Composer(s)Marvin Hamlisch
Lyricist(s)Edward Kleban

Production

Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical noted:[1]

Composer Marvin Hamlisch said that the song set the tone for all the music in the show; once the song was written, the creators understood "the shape and color of the piece as a whole".

Synopsis

The dancers explain their experiences with attending dance school, as well as family-related trauma. No matter how dark the rest of their world seems, they always feel happy and engaged "at the ballet".

Musicals101 explains "At the Ballet" as a "poignant tribute to the escape Sheila, Bebe, and Maggie found in the beauty of ballet."[2]

Analysis

Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical explains: "Sheila, Bebe, and Maggie sing the same wistful melody; then their harmonies grow and build, one layering on the other".[1]

Critical reception

AussieTheatre.com described it as a "poignant song".[3]

The song was covered by the cast of Glee in the fourth season episode "Lights Out", performed by regular cast members Naya Rivera, Lea Michele and Chris Colfer with recurring guest star Sarah Jessica Parker.

References
  1. Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical - Stacy Wolf. Oxford University Press. 2011. p. 122. Retrieved 2015-07-27 – via Internet Archive. at the ballet a chorus line.
  2. "A Chorus Line II by William McKay". Musicals101.com. Retrieved 2015-07-27.
  3. "Debora Krizak joins the Chorus Line | News". Aussietheatre.com.au. 2011-10-16. Retrieved 2015-07-27.
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