Les Sylphides

Les Sylphides is a poetic and dreamlike ballet that depicts a young poet encountering a group of ethereal sylphs in a moonlit forest. There is no linear plot; instead, it focuses on the romantic evocation of mood and the exquisite beauty of classical ballet technique. The sylphs dance around the poet, enchanting him with their grace and lightness before he is left alone as they vanish into the night.

As a revival of a classic ballet, critical reception often focuses on the individual company's performance and the dancers' execution of Fokine's choreography and Chopin's music. Reviews typically highlight the ethereal quality of the sylphs and the lyrical beauty of the piece, praising companies that maintain its delicate aesthetic and technical purity.

• Praised for its romantic atmosphere and dreamlike quality.

• Often lauded for showcasing the technical prowess and grace of the principal dancers.

• Seen as a quintessential example of the Romantic ballet revival.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Les Sylphides, when available for specific productions, generally focus on the enchanting atmosphere and the beauty of the choreography. Viewers often express appreciation for the skill of the dancers and the timeless romanticism of the music and staging.

None notable for this specific 1984 production; the ballet itself is a classic and has received numerous accolades in various productions throughout its history.

Les Sylphides, originally choreographed by Mikhail Fokine in 1909, is considered one of the first ballets to break away from narrative storytelling and focus purely on mood and abstract beauty, paving the way for more modern choreographic styles.