Ballet Is for Music Videos, Too

August 3, 2014


Ballet has had its moments
in rock and pop music videos, but it’s not something that has been consistently successful—anyone remember Rihanna’s ill-fated attempt to look good in pointe shoes? Let’s face it: When music videos utilize ballet they’re usually trying to appear more artsy, and in the process they can lose sight of their original point.

Still from “Time vs. Money”

Fortunately, Boston-based indie band The Bynars’ new music video “Time vs. Money” proves that you can combine pop music and ballet without seeming contrived. In the video, Festival Ballet Providence dancers Kirsten Evans and Alex Lantz perform a whirling, quirky duet, choreographed by Viktor Plotnikov. The video was conceived and directed by Shaun Clarke, and is pitch-perfect: moody without being melodramatic and mysterious without obscuring the dancers’ bodies. I especially love the sections where the dancers are completely silhouetted—their solid technique shines.

Still from “Time vs. Money”

The video reminds me of what might happen if you were magically transported to a dance party immediately after performing on stage—your adrenaline is still really high, you’re exhausted, but you just can’t stop, won’t stop. Check it out below!