Cover The sylph and James share a moment of delicate connection in Ballet Philippines’ ‘La Sylphide’ (Photo: Ballet Philippines)
The sylph and James share a moment of delicate connection in Ballet Philippines’ ‘La Sylphide’ (Photo: Ballet Philippines)
1 / 1
Experience the enchanting production of ‘La Sylphide’ by Ballet Philippines, reimagined with Filipino romanticism and mysticism
One of the oldest surviving romantic ballets in history will come to the Philippines. Opening renowned dance company Ballet Philippines’ 55th performance season, La Sylphide is scheduled to run at The Theatre at Solaire from August 9 to 11 under the visionary guidance of artistic director Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk. Ballet dancers Jemima Reyes and Ian Ocampo are set to lead the production.
More from Tatler: Learn more about the much-anticipated ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’ concert
“We are very excited to perform La Sylphide on the Philippine stage for the very first time,” Ballet Philippines president Kathleen Liechtenstein says. “It is a relatable ballet about love, emotion, magic, and ethereal feelings. It’s also incredibly lyrical and easy to fall in love with.
“La Sylphide will stay in your heart like a beautiful dream.”
About the romantic ballet
Originally choreographed by Filippo Taglioni, with a libretto by Adolphe Nourrit and music by Jean-Madeleine Schneitzhoeffer, La Sylphide premiered in Paris in 1832 and stands as one of the oldest surviving ballets from the romantic period, alongside Coppelia, Giselle, and Le Corsaire, to name a few.
Created to showcase the extraordinary talent of Taglioni’s daughter, the legendary ballerina Marie Taglioni, the ballet revolutionised the art form by being the first to be performed entirely en pointe (dancers moving gracefully on the tips of their toes).
Above Ballet Philippines is set to stage the French romantic ballet ‘La Sylphide’ on August
Ballet Philippines is set to stage the French romantic ballet ‘La Sylphide’ on August
1 / 1
The performance became a seminal work during the early 19th century, embodying the romantic era’s fascination with the supernatural and ethereal. This period also saw the introduction of the romantic tutu, a diaphanous, calf-length skirt that became iconic in ballet.
A closer look at the story
The story unfolds in Scotland, where James Ruben, a humble farmer, is enchanted by a forest fairy (otherwise known as a sylph). Despite being engaged to a woman named Effie, James is enthralled by the sylph’s otherworldly beauty.
Eventually, the sylph confesses her love for James, leading him to forsake Effie and follow the fairy into the forest.
Above The sylph embodies grace and enchantment in Ballet Philippines’ ‘La Sylphide’ (Photo: Ballet Philippines)
The sylph embodies grace and enchantment in Ballet Philippines’ ‘La Sylphide’ (Photo: Ballet Philippines)
1 / 1
In the second act, a witch called Madge gives James a bewitched scarf. When James presents the scarf to the sylph, unexpected events spiral out of control, profoundly affecting everyone involved. As he navigates the fallout, Madge watches with a knowing gaze. James’s choices lead to a dramatic conclusion that will leave the audience contemplating the true consequences of his actions.
Related: 9 children’s books for young explorers of Philippine history and culture
On Ballet Philippines’ 55th season
La Sylphide inaugurates the season’s theme of “relevé”, which in ballet means to rise onto the tips of the toes. In line with this, Ballet Philippines invites audiences to rise with them as they soar to new heights, with three classic productions reimagined through a Filipino lens for their 55th season.
Following the romantic ballet will be Peter Pan, a holiday show that transports viewers to a reimagined Neverland, and culminates with Ang Panaginip, an unconventional fairytale that celebrates the multifaceted Filipina and the beauty of Philippine culture. This final performance pays tribute to women who value their worth and boldly redefine their own happy endings.
For tickets and inquiries, visit ballet.ph or purchase through TicketWorld.
NOW READ
What’s happening this weekend: Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) 2024
Beyond Venice Biennale: 9 exhibitions to see if you are headed to the art showcase in Italy
‘Choosing’: Ice Seguerra and Liza Diño’s stage play shows authenticity and truth’s liberating power
Topics
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
