Choreographer: Filippo Taglioni
Composer: Herman Løvenskiold

Premiere: 1832 by Paris Opera Ballet

Overview: La Sylphide is a romantic ballet set in Scotland. The narrative follows James, a young man on the brink of marrying his fiancée, Effie. On the eve of his wedding, James becomes enchanted by a beautiful and mysterious Sylph (a fairy-like creature) who appears in his dreams. Captivated by her ethereal presence, James abandons Effie and follows the Sylph into the forest. The witch Madge gives James a magical scarf, claiming it will allow him to capture the Sylph. Tragically, when James places the scarf on the Sylph, it leads to her demise. In the end, James loses both the Sylph and Effie, who marries another.

Key Themes:

• Desire and Temptation: The ballet explores the theme of longing for the unattainable, as James pursues the elusive Sylph at the cost of his commitment to Effie.
• Consequences of Choice: James’ decisions lead to tragic outcomes, emphasizing the repercussions of following one’s desires without considering the consequences.
• Reality vs. Fantasy: The stark contrast between the real world and the magical forest highlights the tension between duty and desire, encapsulating the emotional turmoil of the characters.

Notable Sections:

• The Sylph’s Entrance: The ballet opens with the enchanting appearance of the Sylph, whose ethereal movements captivate both James and the audience. This moment sets the tone for the mystical elements of the story.
• James’ Dream Sequence: As James dreams of the Sylph, the choreography reflects his internal struggle and yearning. The fluid, weightless movements of the Sylph contrast with the grounded presence of James, illustrating his desire to escape reality.
• Madge’s Witch Dance: The witch Madge’s choreography is sharp and contrasting, showcasing her power and manipulation. This moment provides a stark juxtaposition to the delicate movements of the Sylph, heightening the dramatic tension.
• The Tragic Climax: The pivotal moment occurs when James attempts to use the magical scarf to capture the Sylph. The choreography here is filled with urgency and despair, as James realizes the tragic consequences of his actions too late.
• The Sylph’s Demise: The heart-wrenching finale portrays the Sylph’s death, with haunting choreography that reflects her ethereal nature and the tragedy of lost love. James’ despair is palpable as he witnesses the consequences of his choices.

What to Watch For:

• Ethereal Movements: Pay close attention to the Sylph’s graceful and delicate movements, which embody her fairy-like nature and create a sense of enchantment.
• Contrasting Choreography: Observe the sharp contrast between the whimsical, light movements of the Sylph and the more grounded, intense choreography of the witches and James, reflecting the conflict between reality and fantasy.
• James’ Internal Conflict: Watch how the choreography conveys James’ emotional turmoil, particularly in his interactions with both the Sylph and Effie, illustrating his struggle between duty and desire.
• Atmospheric Elements: The staging and lighting contribute to the ballet’s magical atmosphere, enhancing the otherworldly quality of the Sylph and the haunting themes of longing and loss.

Famous Performances: Sylvie Guillem and Johan Kobborg have delivered notable performances in La Sylphide, particularly with the Royal Danish Ballet, bringing depth and artistry to their roles.