Acclaimed romantic ballet returns to Perth

Soloist Oscar Valdes and Principal Brooke Widdison-Jacobs as James and the Sylph. Photo by Fabrizio LipariThis May, Perth audiences will be treated to an exclusive season of one of the world’s longest surviving classical ballets from their own award-winning state ballet company, West Australian Ballet.

 

La Sylphide is the fairytale that tells the story of Scottish farmer James on the eve of his wedding, and the temptation that is presented to him by a beautiful, yet untouchable, winged Sylph (fairy).

 

Aurélien Scannella, artistic director of West Australian Ballet, reflected on the importance of performing such a historic piece such as La Sylphide.

 

La Sylphide will not only be visually spectacular for the audience, but also technically challenging for our dancers,” shared Scannella. “Join us as we take on the absolute cornerstone of romantic ballet. This piece has over 180 years of history and we’re excited for our world-class dancers to show it to Western Australia.”

 

First performed under the direction of August Bournonville in Copenhagen in 1836, West Australian Ballet remains true to the Bournonville style with the consultancy of Staging Director Dinna Bjørn.

 

Bjørn is well known worldwide as the international authority on the Bournonville style, having worked with the Royal Danish Ballet as a Bournonville consultant and Finnish National Ballet and Norwegian National Ballet as artistic director.

 

The grand sets and beautiful costumes from Richard Roberts and Lexi De Silva, respectively, promise to also leave the audience in awe. And once again West Australian Symphony Orchestra, under the instruction of Perth-based conductor Jon Tooby, will bring to life this lively score.

 

Continuing its mission to enrich people’s lives through dance, West Australian Ballet will present this production to the general public alongside special dedicated performances for people with limited access to the arts.

 

La Sylphide will be presented May 18 – June 2 at His Majesty’s Theatre. Visit waballet.com.au to book tickets.

 

Photo: West Australian Ballet Soloist Oscar Valdes and Principal Brooke Widdison-Jacobs as James and the Sylph. Photo by Fabrizio Lipari.