The Track Star Podcast Testing This Legendary Choreographer’s Music Knowledge
Feb 18, 2026
Justin Peck, Resident choreographer at New York City Ballet and Tony Award winner, talks about how music becomes movement. He discusses starting ballets from scores, deep listening and playlists, collaborating with dancers and composers, and adapting choreography for film versus stage. The conversation touches on Tchaikovsky, Rite of Spring, Philip Glass, and his work on Spielberg’s West Side Story.
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Why The Rite Of Spring Once Shocked Audiences
- The Rite of Spring shocked 1913 audiences by rejecting familiar rhythms and ballet vocabulary.
- Peck notes its historical intimidation but sees it now as a defining modernist masterpiece.
Music As The Choreographic Seed
- Justin Peck says most ballets at New York City Ballet begin with music as the creative spark.
- He treats music as a foundation that shapes movement, casting, and design choices.
Use Constraints To Shape Commissions
- When commissioning work, set parameters like cast size, music source, and designers to shape the project.
- Use constraints to invite collaboration across disciplines and focus the creative process.