Ballet Philippines, the nation’s foremost dance company, proudly announces the launch of its monumental 55th season with the romantic ballet LA SYLPHIDE, scheduled to run at The Theatre at Solaire this coming August 9-11, 2024. Under the visionary guidance of Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk, the production promises a distinctive Filipino twist on the classic, marking its debut performance by Ballet Philippines in the country.
“The company is very excited to perform LA SYLPHIDE on the Philippine stage for the very first time,” shared Ballet Philippines President Kathleen Liechtenstein. “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.”
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 a forest fairy (otherwise known as a sylph) enchanted James Ruben, a humble farmer. Despite being engaged to Effie, the sylph’s otherworldly beauty still enthralled James. 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.
Ballet Philippines’ rendition of LA SYLPHIDE intertwines the ballet’s original charm with Filipino romanticism and mysticism. The sylph, symbolizing ethereal beauty and yearning, resonates with the Filipino spirit’s quest for ideals, blending enchantment with everyday life. This adaptation invites audiences on a mesmerizing journey where passion and magic are seamlessly woven into the familiar rhythms of Filipino culture, creating an immersive experience that stirs the soul.
The production of LA SYLPHIDE also inaugurates the season’s theme of relevé, which in ballet means to rise onto the tips of the toes. Ballet Philippines invites you to rise with us as we soar to new heights with three classic productions reimagined through a Filipino lens. Following LA SYLPHIDE will be PETER PAN, a holiday show that transports viewers to a reimagined Neverland which transcends cultural boundaries. The season 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.
RELATED READ: Ballet Meets Architecture: Carlo Calma Reinterprets Philippine Deities in Ballet Philippines’s Diyosa
Photos from Ballet Philippines
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