Dark Ballet History

Originally envisioned as an experimental project, the group’s debut album, Master of XIS (2016), explored diverse genres and sounds under the creative vision of Jeff Moore.

Between 2017 and 2023, Dark Ballet released several new songs as they honed their vision and searched for their signature sound. The band explored gothic pop styles, Southern hard-driving rock, blues rock, and metal, gradually carving out the bold, hard-driving style that defines them today. A turning point came in December 2023 when they performed their instrumental piece Christmas Spirits alongside young dancers from the School of the Albany Berkshire Ballet. The fusion of live metal music and classical ballet was so electrifying, it confirmed the band’s true calling.

In early 2024, Jeff Moore composed Dark Ballet’s first librettos—Spectres of Solstice and The Queen of the Night—and shared them with Jason Ohlberg, MFA, an Associate Professor at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Jason agreed to choreograph the pieces, collaborating with Skidmore’s ballet dancers, costume designer, sound engineer, and media artists. Their November 2023 performance at the College’s Dance Theater was nothing short of magical, solidifying the group’s vision of merging dance and metal into an immersive experience.

Now in 2025, Dark Ballet has fully embraced its identity as a hybrid of classical, heavy metal, hard rock, and jazz influences, spearheaded by Jeff and Crystal Moore. Their music tells unapologetically dark, gritty stories that unveil the hidden magic in everyday life. From ballet and modern dance to aerial arts, martial arts, and even bodybuilding, Dark Ballet’s collaborations span a rich spectrum of artistic disciplines, pushing creative boundaries at every turn.

Join us on this journey where music, movement, and storytelling collide—experience Dark Ballet in all its uncharted intensity.