The ballet, which has maintained the romantic dancing style for many years and became one of biggest theatrical legends of the 19th century. The illusiveness and unattainability of one’s dreams are revealed through the story of James, a young Scotsman. He has promised his heart to a girl from the local village but then comes across an enchanting spirit of the air, the sylph. Having forsaken everything on earth, the young man attempts to get close to this spectral beauty.
La Sylphide is the pearl of the romantic repertoire. The Oleg Vinogradov production, for many years a staple of the Bolshoi Theatre repertoire, is in need of renovation. The new production injects this classical ballet with the joie de vivre and beauty which are the hallmarks of the Bournonville style.
Johan Kobborg – one of the most distinguished dancers of his generation. On completing his studies at the Royal Danish Ballet School in 1991, he joined the Company. Having made his debut in La Sylphide, he was promoted to principal soloist. Since 1999, he has been principal dancer with London’s Royal Ballet. He has mounted several ballets by August Bournonville. La Sylphide, in his production, opened the 2005/06 season at Covent Garden. He has often danced in Bolshoi Theatre productions.
Copyright © Marc Haegeman 2008