A Message from the Artistic Director

FRANCESCO VENTRIGLIA | Artistic Director

It is with immense joy and pride that I welcome you to the Alberta Ballet’s inaugural performance of La Sylphide, a milestone in ballet’s history that has enchanted audiences for nearly two centuries. This marks a significant moment for our company, as we present this timeless classic for the very first time in Alberta.

La Sylphide, originally choreographed by the legendary Filippo Taglioni and later reimagined by August Bournonville, is a work that captures the ethereal beauty of the sylphs and the poignant longing of human emotion. In this new version, I meticulously explore the importance of movement and meaning, bringing a profound understanding of pantomime to the forefront. With Herman Severin Løvenskiold’s original musical score and with my infusion of new choreography in both acts, the production breathes new life into this beloved narrative.

We are thrilled to embark on this journey, showcasing the talent, artistry, and passion of our dancers, who have poured their hearts into this production. I extend my deepest gratitude to our creative team, designers, restager, and the entire artistic and production team for their extraordinary efforts in bringing this vision to life.

Their dedication and talent shine through in every aspect of this performance. Presenting La Sylphide is not just about preserving tradition; it is about embracing an innovative approach that honours the past while inviting new interpretations. Thank you for being part of this historic occasion!

Warm regards,

FRANCESCO VENTRIGLIA
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

The Story

LA SYLPHIDE

Act I

The story of La Sylphide concerns a young Scotsman, James, who is about to be married to Effie. The morning of the wedding day, James is dozing in a chair by the fire when a Sylphide appears beside him and wakens him with an airy kiss. She dances for him before she vanishes up the chimney.

As he greets his lovely bride and her friends, James tries to forget the enchanting Sylphide. Among the neighbours James has a rival, his cousin Gurn, who is also very much in love with Effie. During the preparations for the wedding an old fortune teller, Madge, enters and huddles before the fire, trying to warm herself. James orders her out of the house, but Gurn befriends her and offers her something to drink. Madge reads Effie’s palm and prophesies that the young girl will never marry James but will become the wife of Gurn. When James, puzzled and disturbed, is left alone again, the Sylphide appears at the window. She tries to persuade him to follow her to the forest where she lives. Gurn returns in time to see James chasing the empty air. He runs to fetch witnesses to James erratic behaviour.

The festivities begin, and the guests dance an exhilarating Scottish reel. In the midst of this rollicking dance the Sylphide flies across the room, invisible to all but James. He deserts his partner to follow her, but she has disappeared. Finally, everything is ready for the ceremony. James is holding the ring with which he is to marry Effie when the Sylphide reappears and swiftly seizes it. He pursues her out of the house and into the forest. In the meantime toasts are being drunk, but when Effie turns to touch glasses with James, he is not there. She collapses in tears while Gurn, jubilant, leads the other men in search of the missing bridegroom.

Act II

The second act opens on a forest scene. Madge and the grotesque demons who are her attendants are concocting a poisonous brew in which they soak a scarf. With it Madge plans to wreak her vengeance on James.

The witches vanish, and day breaks on a lovely woodland glen. There is a dance of many sylphides, and then they disappear. The Sylphide enters, followed by James. She tells him that this is her home; she brings him wild strawberries to eat, cool spring water to drink, and floats up to the branch of a tree to show him a bird’s nest. But when he tries to capture and hold her, she slips from his grasp and flies away. He tries to follow.

Gurn and the other wedding guests arrive, looking for James. Gurn finds James’ jacket, but on the advice of old Madge, he conceals it and tells Effie that he has found no trace of her fiancée. She reluctantly listens to Gurn’s ardent suit. They abandon the search for James. James returns to the glen, disconsolate over the Sylphide’s elusiveness. The witch approaches and offers him the magic scarf, promising that with its aid he can capture the fragile creature and hold her close forever.

When the Sylphide reappears, James draws out the gossamer veil. With a childish delight, she leaps to catch it as he tosses it into the air. He swears that she shall have it if she will kneel and promise to remain with him always. As she happily agrees, he twines the poisoned scarf around her shoulders. Her wings drop softly to the ground.

James tries to comfort her, but it is too late. She dies in the arms of her sister sylphs. As they bear her upwards beyond the tree tops, the wedding procession of Effie and Gurn passes in the distance. James falls unconscious. The old witch Madge is left alone, exulting in her triumph.

La Sylphide Creative Team

Special Thanks to:
The North Stratton Pipe Band

Casting

Subject to Change

Alberta Ballet Dancers

Alberta Ballet Artistic Team

Alberta Ballet Artistic Support

Lead Stage Manager | Seoyoung Park
Stage Manager | Tuled Giovanazzi
Physiotherapist | Brittney Winnitoy, Kirsten Taylor / Momentum Health
Pilates | Jo-Anne Bunbury / Calgary Pilates
Company Pianists | Marina Federov, Michael Levin, Juanita Faas,
Mary Martell, Lorel Leal, Helena Barker, Peter Dala

Production Team

Executive Producer | Malgorzata Szablowska
Assistant Technical Director Carpentry/Props/Flys | Jason McLellan
Lead Fly/Carpenter | Kevin Green
Head Props | Christina Hantos
Second Props | Cassandra Thorbjornsen
Lead Lighting | Chris Axford
Second Lighting | Oliver Petti
Lead Sound and Multi-Media | Dan Plumtree
Assistant Technical Director, Wardrobe | Raegan Moore
Second Wardrobe | Lori McMahon
Second Wardrobe/Stitcher | Erin LeBaron
Cutter | Anne Nguyen

Up Next…

Forever Moved

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Paul Chambers
Director, Development
403-245-4222 ext 744
PaulC@AlbertaBallet.com

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