This piece, performed at a minuet tempo, as suggested by its English title "At the Ballet," evokes a ballet practice scene. Imagine young girls diligently practicing as you play, maintaining a steady, regular rhythm.

Play the staccato notes lightly to express agile movements, and envisioning the supple movements of extending and retracting limbs within the phrases will make the musical flow more natural. For the hairpin crescendos and decrescendos found in measures 3-4, aim for a natural and unforced change.

From measure 17, play with a sense of strength and energy. It is essential to maintain a solid core to the sound and express with a confident touch. From measure 25, the opening melody reappears; despite the pp marking, be careful not to let the sound become too thin, and cherish the resonance of the high notes.

In measure 35, a variation is introduced to the melody; it is important to play with feeling, keenly aware of this difference. Cherish the elegance of a dance piece and the imagery of movement as you play.