The Meridian Season of La Sylphide

Photography by Maarten Holl and Stephen A'Court

The ultimate Romantic ballet.
 
The story of a young man’s quest for unobtainable love takes centre stage in the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s celebration of the ultimate Romantic ballet, The Meridian Season of La Sylphide.
 
James, a young Scottish farmer, is visited by a Sylph – a tree fairy – on the eve of his wedding. Enchanted by her ethereal beauty, James follows her into the misty forest. So begins the tragic tale of a young man who knowingly risks everything in his search for true love.
 
Created by Danish-born choreographer August Bournonville in 1836, La Sylphide is considered the quintessential ballet of the nineteenth century’s Romantic period. The Romantic period was a time in which artists revolted against industrialisation and stifling social conventions - taking inspiration from nature, spontaneity and emotion over reason.
 
From the dew-drenched Highlands of Scotland to the sun-splashed piazzas of Italy, The Meridian Season of La Sylphide opens with Dances from Napoli. Joyous, colourful and full of life, Dances from Napoli is highlights of Bournonville’s choreography from his ballet Napoli, including the love duet, Flower Festival of Genzano pas de deux.

Click here to download the daily cast sheet for La Sylphide performances

 
LA SYLPHIDE
 
Choreography
August Bournonville
 
Producer
Matz Skoog
 
Design
Anne Fraser
 
Music
Herman Lovenskjold
 
Lighting
Jon Buswell
 
 
DANCES FROM NAPOLI
 
Choreography
August Bournonville
 
Staged by
Gary Harris and Greg Horsman
 
Design
Gary Harris
 
Music
Eduard Helsted
Holger Paulli
 
Lighting
Jon Buswell