La Sylphide

This is a "white ballet" (Swan Lake, Giselle, Les Sylphide, etc.) and has the same ephemeral beauty that most "white ballets" share.

`La Sylphide' revisits roots of ballet
Sunday, June 08, 2008
BY BANNON T. BACKHUS

KALAMAZOO -- Next weekend, the Farrell Ballet Theatre will perform ``La Sylphide,'' one of the most renowned and influential ballets of all time.

``La Sylphide'' tells the tale of a soon-to-be-married man's obsession with a sylphide -- a spirit of the air -- and the ultimate price he pays for his relentless pursuit of her.

``It's been the most challenging ballet we've ever tackled,'' said Sher Marie Farrell, founder and artistic director of the Farrell Ballet Theatre. ``But that's precisely why we did it.''

Farrell and the rest of her company have been preparing since January for their production, which involves using about 50 costumes -- each custom-made -- and will feature two male dancers from the Grand Rapids Ballet Company.

``La Sylphide'' is largely responsible for creating the look and feel of what many associate with ballet, and the historical significance of the work is one of its aspects that appealed to Farrell.

``It goes back to the roots of ballet,'' she said. ``And for me to be able to delve into that part of dance history is something I found to be very exciting.''

The excitement also extends to the dancers.

``It's just a beautiful ballet,'' said Amy Osment, who will perform the role of La Sylphide. ``I'm more of an emotional person, and this ballet really allows me to feel my part and really get into my character, and that makes performing in it very joyful for me.''

``Everybody has made huge leaps artistically and technically,'' she said. ``It's been great in pulling us together as a strong company.''

Also exciting to the dancers is the chance to share ``La Sylphide'' with audiences.

``We really want the community to come and see this,'' said Heather Baker Root, who will perform the role of a sister sylphide. ``This is something that people don't get to experience a lot of in our very isolated, technology-driven society, where you can sit at home and have a virtual life.''

Root feels that ``La Sylphide'' offers something for everyone.

``This ballet expresses the universal desire to reach out for a dream, and I think everyone can relate to that,'' she said.

Ballet

``La Sylphide'' -- Presented by Farrell Ballet Theatre

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