The Dayton Ballet’s planned 2009 premiere to music by Elton John, “Rocket Man,” won’t be getting off the ground.

The Elton’s management, after previously granting preliminary approval to use his music, has revoked the rights. Dayton Ballet spokesperson A. Diane Schoeffler-Warren said no reason was given. “Sir Elton’s people just decided not to let us use it. We’re all really disappointed.”

The new work was being choreographed for the Dayton Ballet by Washington Ballet artistic director Septime Webre, who began working with the dancers in November 2008. The premiere was planned for a mixed-repertory program March 19-22, 2009. In its place, the company will revive Christopher Fleming’s comic ballet “Play Ball!” Weber’s “D-Construction” has also been added.

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