Masterpiece Revived: Les Sylphides at Vienna State Ballet

Volksoper Vienna [ENA] In the illustrious annals of ballet history, few works resonate with the ethereal beauty and poetic grace of Michel Fokine's "Les Sylphides." This timeless ballet, originally premiered during the groundbreaking Parisian season of Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in 1909, continues to captivate audiences with its haunting imagery and evocative choreography. Now, gracing the stage of the Vienna State Ballet, this revival of "Les Sylphides" promises to enchant anew, marrying classical elegance with contemporary flair in a mesmerizing display of dance artistry.

Fokine's visionary choreography, set to the exquisite compositions of Frédéric Chopin, unfolds like a dreamscape—a young man wanders into a mystical forest where he encounters enchanting sylphs, embodying the essence of romantic ballet in its purest form. Originally known as "Chopiniana" in its 1907 St. Petersburg incarnation, Fokine's ballet marked a departure from narrative-driven plots, embracing instead a realm of pure emotion and aesthetic beauty.

At the helm of this revival is Adi Hanan, a luminary in the world of contemporary choreography. Hanan's interpretation of "Les Sylphides" within the Choreography Platform 2022/23 left an indelible impression, propelling her into the spotlight of Martin Schläpfer's creative vision for the Vienna State Ballet. Hanan's artistic sensibilities, rooted in exploration and innovation, promise to infuse Fokine's masterpiece with new depths of expression and modern relevance.

In parallel, the revival features Uwe Scholz's masterwork "Jeunehomme," a testament to the profound relationship between dance and music—a hallmark of Scholz's artistic legacy. Originally choreographed for Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo in 1986, "Jeunehomme" resonates with timeless elegance, its movements intricately woven to the melodic tapestry of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat major, K. 271. Scholz's choreography, renowned for its synthesis of emotion and technique, unfolds with dramatic intensity and lyrical grace, offering a rare glimpse into the choreographer's sensitive vision.

What makes this revival of "Les Sylphides" and "Jeunehomme" particularly captivating is the artistic collaboration that brings these ballets to life. From the choreographic brilliance of Adi Hanan to the iconic costume and set design by Karl Lagerfeld, this production promises a feast for the senses—a harmonious fusion of classical heritage and contemporary innovation.

Hanan's "Les Sylphides" promises to evoke the wistful elegance of Fokine's original vision, while infusing it with a modern sensibility that speaks to the complexities of human emotion and yearning. Set against Lagerfeld's evocative backdrop, the ballet unfolds as a visual symphony, each movement resonating with the spirit of Chopin's compositions. Meanwhile, Scholz's "Jeunehomme" offers a poignant exploration of Mozart's musical genius, reimagined through the lens of contemporary ballet. The choreography, revived in its entirety for the first time since its inception, embodies a timeless dialogue between movement and melody—a celebration of classical tradition brought to life with Lagerfeld's iconic design aesthetic.

In conclusion, the revival of "Les Sylphides" and "Jeunehomme" at the Vienna State Ballet is an extraordinary celebration of dance heritage and artistic innovation. From Fokine's ethereal sylphs to Scholz's lyrical homage to Mozart, this production promises to transport audiences into a world of sublime beauty and emotional resonance. With Adi Hanan's visionary choreography and Lagerfeld's evocative design, this is ballet at its most enchanting—a testament to the enduring allure of dance as a transformative art form. For aficionados and newcomers alike, this revival is an unmissable opportunity to witness ballet history reimagined for a new era, where tradition meets innovation in a breathtaking display of artistic excellence.

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor