does anyone have a preference to which should be best used in class? I personally use both but was just curious as to how you would work with a pianist and how you would work with a cd player!

I wish I had a pianist to play for my classes! But, it would have to be a GOOD pianist, one who is familiar with ballet combinations and intention of movement. The pianist should know by looking at the combination and the teacher's counts what works for the enchainment. This is ideal! Only more major schools in my area are able to afford and attract GOOD pianists. CDs are a workable compromise. Thank goodness there are MANY good ballet class CDs out there ( I personally like most of the David Howard produced ones) and CD players that have pitch control! Ballet class "life" would definitely be MUCH more challenged without the ablility to alter tempo of the tracks for class combinations...