World Ballet Pianists Day will return for its third year on 9 October, inviting musicians and dance institutions to contribute to an international census of the profession and introduce audiences to the pianists behind their classes and rehearsals.
Founded in 2024 by pianist and composer Massimiliano Greco, the initiative recognises the musicians working across ballet training, rehearsal, performance and artistic creation. Their work involves close collaboration with teachers and dancers, shaping the timing, phrasing, dynamics and character of the music accompanying movement.
The World Ballet Pianists Global Census aims to establish how many ballet pianists are working internationally and where they are based. It will progressively map musicians employed by companies, academies, conservatoires, schools and other dance institutions. Pianists are invited to contribute, with organisations encouraged to involve their own musicians.
This year’s “I am a Ballet Pianist!” campaign also invites pianists to introduce themselves and share something of their working lives, giving dancers, teachers and audiences a closer look at the profession.
Musical, historical and educational content will explore the relationship between music and dance. The program will include a focus on Ludwig Minkus, marking the bicentenary of his birth in 1826, and the continuing use of ballet repertoire in pianists’ daily work.
Companies and schools can participate by profiling their pianists through photographs, short videos or personal messages, sharing campaign materials, or encouraging musicians to complete the census.
The initiative’s new official website provides further information and resources. Ballet pianists can contribute directly through the Global Census.