La Sylphide at Sydney Opera House, Joan Sutherland Theatre

In 1836, La Sylphide revolutionised ballet, putting women en pointe and giving audiences their first glimpse of the Romantic ballerina – unattainable and unearthly. The Scottish dreamer James is fascinated by a woodland sprite, and spurns his fiancée to follow her. Intent on capturing the ethereal beauty for his own, he accepts the help of a vengeful witch, who leads him to his downfall. This poignant two-act work will be paired with Marius Petipa’s glittering party piece Paquita, the last flowering of the Romantic ballet and a chance for The Australian Ballet’s dancers to display their sparkling technique.