Essay
La Sylphide Analyzed
- Course
- DANC 101
- Institution
- University Of South Carolina
The analyzation of La Sylphide as performed by the Royal Danish Ballet in Denmark.
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La Sylphide AnalysisThis performance of La Sylphide was displayed in the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen,
Denmark by The Royal Danish Ballet. In a seemingly formal environment, this ballet of two acts
is performed with a live orchestra and a large grand stage. This rendition was created and
choreographed by August Bournonville.
Professionally, I do not have a long history of viewing this form of ballet. Due to the
stigmatism of them being lengthy and drawn-out, I have neglected my opportunities to view
many ballets with the singular exception of The Nutcracker. However, this experience created a
pleasurable viewing experience while still appreciating the formality of traditional ballet,
especially pointe dancing. The highly trained dancers project convincing facials and
demonstrations of their training with technique. The chemistry created between the dancers,
such as that between the women in support of Effie’s marriage, conveys emotions of closeness
and exclusivity as friends. This chemistry makes it possible to analyze the environmental
differences between that surrounding Effie and that surrounding La Sylphide.
This contrast is evident between Acts I and II, as well as the contrast in emotions in
James between the first and second acts. In Act I, it is evident James feels a sense of confusion
at the arrival of La Sylphide and the emotions that arise thereof. However, in Act II, he seems
convinced of his actions until the death of La Sylphide. It is also evident in the emotions of Gurn,
who is obviously disgruntled at the idea of Effie being married to anyone besides him. The
emotions of La Sylphide and Effie are most evident in Act I, as they both experience joy and
loss at the hands of James. This contrasts with Act II as they start off on opposite emotions,
Effie sad and La Sylphide excited for the marriage to James, and end on opposite emotions with
Effie joyous at her recent marriage to Gurn and La Sylphide in sadness before her passing.
The overall composition of this performance differs from the libretto by means of
choreography and actions that occur in between the large moments covered in the libretto. This
is evident in Act I as Gurn does not begin in the room with James as in the libretto. Effie also
has a solo in the first act that is not a part of the ballet based upon the libretto. These
differences are more noticeable in the second act, as there are more actions conveyed than
read prior. This includes Gurn giving the witch a drink before she began telling everyone their
fortunes and the witch’s role in setting Gurn and Effie on the path towards marriage. A
noticeable difference between the libretto and the second act is the actions of the witch before
letting James have the scarf that would kill La Sylphide. In the libretto, she offers it to him
initially as a gift for his bride-to-be. In this performance, however, she struggles with him,
denying him the scarf before relenting. This serves to remove doubt in James’ mind of foul-play
surrounding the scarf. The frenzied sylphs portrayed in the libretto instead move in a fluid,
organized method within the performance. These differences assist in deepening plot depth as
well as making the production more interesting with constant action.
La Sylphide is reminiscent of the historical period of ballet it is set in with the conveyance
of emotions typical of a Romantic ballet. The chemistry between the dancers, as well as the
display of facial emotions and different ballet styles assist in creating an elegant and fantastical
scenery of romance and betrayal. This can easily be perceived in the emotions display of
emotions such as joy from Effie in Act I or La Sylphide in Act II. The performance provides
elegance through the dainty nature and high quality of the large dance numbers that are
romantic in nature.
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