Ballo Della Regina/La Sylphide

A double-bill from the Royal Ballet. George Balanchine's 'Ballo Della Regina' is a swift and sweeping abstract ballet set to music by Verdi. That's paired with 'La Sylphide', the original Romantic ballet, made in 1832 for legendary ballerina Marie Taglioni. This version is Danish choreographer August Bournonville's staging from 1836. A young man falls in love with an elusive spirit and tragedy ensues. The very sylph-like Alina Cojocaru dances the lead on opening night.