"The dancers are live, so live music just adds another layer of spontaneity to the moment," he says. "Conductors and musicians can flex and breathe with the dancers, and the music can be interpreted to fit specific choreography and individual performers."

For the first few seasons, he managed a perfect score. When financial constraints forced him to cut back on hiring orchestras, he found clever ways to provide live music in smaller formats, from string quartets and bluegrass bands to the guzheng and piano. But sometimes he had to use recorded music.

With the recent erasing of the company's debt and a $10 million endowment to draw on, the music will again swell when the dancers perform. The 2007-08 season opens Oct. 25 with a "Carmina Burana," featuring the N.C. Master Chorale and percussionists. November's "Cinderella" revives the lovely original piano scoring by Karl Moraski, and its companion, "Peter and the Wolf," will have a small ensemble.

"Nutcracker," as it always has, will feature an orchestra for the holiday performances. In February, popular nightclub singer Andrea Marcovicci returns to provide vocals for "Cabaret," and "Carolina Jamboree" in March features the Red Clay Ramblers string band. Only "Balanchine," "Waltzes of Old Vienna" and "Sleeping Beauty" will have to rely on recorded music.

Weiss hopes for the return of live music for all Carolina Ballet programs within the next few years.

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