Ballet Philippines is proud to inaugurate its 55th season with an interpretation of La Sylphide, an iconic ballet with a storied history. While our rendition will feature a unique Filipino twist, the original ballet's fascinating past is worth exploring. La Sylphide is one of the world's oldest existing romantic ballets. It was first staged in Paris in 1832 with choreography by Filippo Taglioni, which is now considered lost. Conceived as a platform to highlight the talents of Taglioni's daughter Marie, the production garnered significant controversy due to the young girl's inclination towards shortening her skirt, a choice deemed scandalous by contemporary standards.

The premiere of La Sylphide in 1832 marked a pivotal moment in ballet history for several reasons. Most notably, it was the first ballet to be entirely performed en pointe. While Italian dancer Amalia Brugnoli had introduced the use of toe shoes in 1823, it was Marie Taglioni's insistence on dancing the entirety of La Sylphide in these shoes that truly captured attention. Despite the intense discomfort experienced by the young dancer, Marie's courageous decision yielded remarkable results. Critics were left astounded by her performance, although her short skirt did stir a hint of scandal among some. Despite this, the performance only solidified Marie Taglioni’s reputation as one of the greatest ballerinas in history.

La Sylphide is regarded as a notable ballet of the Romantic Movement of the early 19th century, a period that left its mark on art, music, and ballet alike. Central to this movement was an obsession with the supernatural realm of spirits and enchantment, often portraying women as delicate and passive figures. These thematic elements permeated the ballets of the era, earning them the title of "romantic ballets." It was during this period that dancing en pointe, known as pointe work, became standard practice for ballerinas, alongside the introduction of the romantic tutu—a flowing, calf-length skirt crafted from tulle.

By 1836, Danish ballet master August Bournonville restaged the ballet, intending to revive Taglioni's work. However, due to prohibitive costs imposed by the Paris Opera for using the original score by Jean-Madeleine Schneitzhoeffer, Bournonville created a new version based on the old ballet with a fresh score by Hermann Løvenskjold. This adaptation became one of the Danish Ballet's most enduring works, and is still performed today in its original form.

Bournonville’s La Sylphide begins in a Scottish farmhouse where James Ruben, a Scotsman, is enchanted by a sylph—a forest fairy—who awakens him. Although engaged to Effie, James becomes increasingly captivated by the sylph's ethereal beauty. Later, the sylph professes her love for James, leading him to abandon Effie and pursue the fairy into the forest. In the second act, the witch 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, enigmatic Madge watches with a knowing gaze. James's choices lead to a dramatic conclusion that will leave the audience contemplating the true consequences of this enchantment.

Ballet Philippines' interpretation of La Sylphide offers a distinctly Filipino experience, blending the essence of the Bournonville version with our nation's vibrant romanticism and deep-seated belief in the mystical. Just as the Sylphide personifies ethereal beauty and yearning dreams, our cultural landscape embraces the pursuit of ideals, effortlessly merging the enchanting with the everyday. Audiences are beckoned on an enchanting voyage where passion and magic harmonize with the familiar cadences of Filipino existence, crafting an immersive journey that stirs the soul.

La Sylphide will debut on August 9, 2024, at The Theatre at Solaire, followed by additional performances on August 10 and 11.