Romantic Ballet “La Sylphide” to be Staged by Ballet Philippines this August
Ballet Philippines begins its 55th season with the romantic ballet La Sylphide, marking its debut performance by the company.
La Sylphide stands as one of the oldest surviving romantic ballets in history. Originally choreographed by Filippo Taglioni, with a libretto by Adolphe Nourrit and music by Jean-Madeleine Schneitzhoeffer, La Sylphide premiered in Paris in 1832. Created to showcase the extraordinary talent of Taglioni’s daughter, the legendary ballerina Marie Taglioni, the ballet revolutionized the art form by being the first to be performed entirely en pointe.
During the Romantic Movement of the early 19th century, La Sylphide became a seminal work, embodying the 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.
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 Effie, James is enthralled by the sylph’s otherworldly beauty. The sylph confesses her love for James, leading him to forsake Effie and follow the fairy into the forest. 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, 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.
The cast features Ian Ocampo and Rudolph Capongcol as James Ruben, and Jemima Reyes, Regina Magbitang, and Nicole Barroso as The Sylph.
Ballet Philippines’ rendition of La Sylphide aims to intertwine the ballet’s original charm with Filipino romanticism and mysticism. The show will run on August 9 at 8 PM, and on August 10 and 11 at 2 PM and 7 PM at The Theatre at Solaire.
This production also inaugurates the season’s theme of relevé, which in ballet means to rise onto the tips of the toes. Following La Sylphide will be Peter Pan, a holiday show that transports viewers to a reimagined Neverland, intending to transcend cultural boundaries. The season culminates with Ang Panaginip, an unconventional fairytale that strives to celebrate the multifaceted Filipina and the beauty of Philippine culture. This final performance aims to pay tribute to women who value their worth and boldly redefine their own happy endings.
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