La Sylphide facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Sylphide |
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Marie Taglioni as La Sylphide
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| Choreographed by | Filippo Taglioni |
| Composed by | Jean-Madeleine Schneitzhoeffer |
| Libretto by | Adolphe Nourrit |
| Based on | Trilby, ou Le lutin d'Argail |
| Date of premiere | March 12, 1832 |
| Place of premiere | Théâtre de l'Académie Royale de Musique |
| Original ballet company | Ballet du Théâtre de l'Académie Royale de Musique |
| Characters | The Sylph James Effie Gurn Old Madge |
| Setting | Scotland |
| Created for | Marie Taglioni |
| Genre | Ballet-pantomime Ballet-fantastique |
| Type | Romantic ballet |
La Sylphide (which means The Sylph in English) is a famous romantic ballet. It was made especially for a dancer named Marie Taglioni by her father, Filippo Taglioni. He wanted to show off her amazing skills! The ballet was first performed in Paris, France, on March 12, 1832. It was a huge hit! Marie Taglioni was thought to be the best ballerina of her time.
Contents
What is La Sylphide About?
This ballet tells a magical story set in the beautiful country of Scotland. It is a tale of love, magic, and a bit of sadness.
The Story Begins
The main character is a young man named James. He is about to marry his sweetheart, Effie. But another man, Gurn, also loves Effie.
On the morning of his wedding, James sees a beautiful, winged spirit called a Sylph. She is a fairy-like creature. James is completely charmed by her.
Old Madge's Warning
An old woman named Madge, who is a witch, comes to read fortunes. She tells everyone that Gurn, not James, will marry Effie. James gets angry and makes her leave.
As the wedding preparations begin, the Sylph appears again. She quickly steals Effie's wedding ring! James chases after the Sylph, running deep into the forest. Poor Effie is left behind and finds comfort with Gurn.
A Dangerous Wish
In the forest, James and the Sylph spend time together. She calls her sister Sylphs, and they dance for James. He wants to keep the Sylph with him forever.
James asks Old Madge for help. She gives him a special scarf. Madge tells him that if he wraps the Sylph in this scarf, he can capture her. But the scarf is actually poisoned!
The Sad Ending
James wraps the Sylph in the scarf. Sadly, her wings fall off, and she dies. James then sees a wedding procession. It is Effie and Gurn, who are now getting married. James faints and dies from sadness. Old Madge has had her revenge on James.
The Danish Version of La Sylphide
The original ballet by Filippo Taglioni is no longer performed today. However, another famous version exists!
A New Choreographer
In November 1836, a dancer and choreographer named August Bournonville created his own version of La Sylphide. He used new music by Herman Severin Løvenskiold.
Still Danced Today
Bournonville's version was made for the Royal Danish Ballet. This version is still danced in Copenhagen, Denmark, even today! It is very important because it helps us understand how romantic ballets were performed long ago.
Reconstructing the Past
In 1972, a dancer named Pierre Lacotte tried to recreate the original ballet by Filippo Taglioni. He used old pictures, notes, and other materials to bring it back to life.
| Romantic Ballets |
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The Ballet of the Nuns (1831) |
Images for kids
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Emma Livry as the Sylph in 1862.
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August Bournonville in 1841.
See also
In Spanish: La sílfide para niños
