The History —

Bournonville's La Sylphide is the oldest romantic ballet and has been performed continuously since its premiere at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen in 1836.

August Bournonville, who was also a brilliant dancer, created La Sylphide for himself and his star pupil Lucia Grahn who had an exceptional light jump and grace. In his version from 1836 the story derives from the Romantic Period, in particular, from the stories of French writer Charles Nodier. In Nodier’s view, life would invariably “fluctuate between bliss and despair; the dream cannot be sustained for very long” and sorrow was “the only logical alternative to ecstasy, the only emotion to carry similar intensity”. From this polarised world-view came the Romantic concept of an unfortunate hero, forever chasing an elusive, supernatural force and ultimately facing a tragic destiny. The ballet has become the benchmark for ballet companies worldwide and its greatest stars.       

In 1979 Peter Schaufuss created his Olivier and Evening Standard award winning production of La Sylphide in London. It has since been presented by many of the world’s leading ballet companies to worldwide acclaim and seen by millions around the world on the BBC's award winning TV production.