Music and dance have been entwined since the dawn of time, creating a form of self-expression fundamental to humankind. In the ballet class, a respectful, inspiring rapport between musician and teacher affirms the importance of musicality in movement. Choose a teacher who has studied music, can give rhythms clearly, tempi consistently, and whose voice expressively communicates musical qualities. The teacher's combination of dance steps should be well phrased, and use a broad range of time signatures and musical forms. An experienced musician (usually a pianist in today's ballet class) will play a wide variety of age-appropriate music, and be sensitive to the students' abilities, as well as to the dynamics and highlights of each exercise.

If the studio does not employ a musician, a large selection of recordings should be in use. Many excellent arrangements have been designed especially for the ballet class. A good musician is always preferable, however, as the interaction between pianist and dancer is fresh, adaptive and mutually supportive.