La Sylphide vs Les Sylphides

Facts from Mark Dexter's Lecture, La Sylphide...11/04/12

Backgrounds
LA SYLPHIDE- First ever 'Romantic' ballet, originated in Paris 1832. Choreographed originally by Philippe Tagalioni it is better known for it Danish reincarnation in 1836 by choreographer August Bournonville. It tells the story of an impossible love between a man and a spirit, the temptation of James which leads to his downfall. It is presented in two acts and is often confused with the completely unrelated yet similarly named Les Sylphides.
LES SYLPHIDES-Short non-narrative ballet blanc choreographed by Michael Fontaine and music composed by Chopin. Some debate as to first première but safe to say Sergei Diaghilev's Ballet Russe version in 1909 is suspected.

Review....
How can you tell La Sylphide is set in Scotland???? Tartan anyone? Yet I liked it... a lot. It was endearing and warm and probably explained by my endless love of Brigadoon. The colour palette was very careful and deliberate, it created a very homely atmosphere and a real sense of unity between the villagers. Can't really say I was that fussed on the hats but that's a general personal opinion that it yet to be altered, or even just a little bit swayed. For me this was a real chance to hone in my opinions as a designer, I loved being able to watch this piece and really pull it apart. Dexter wants us to develop our opinions and be able to provide evidence for them, something I'm really relishing in. The debates after are always good as there's a real mixture of opinions. I sometimes have to rein myself in as I get very enthusiastic and have to try hard not to just rail road over things. Again quite a new experience for me as I'm usually reasonably quiet in classes. Just shows how much I'm enjoying these lectures, I'm really starting to feel myself getting worked up about things, really starting to care. It's dreadful if some gets me going I can go on for hours; every bit of information fuelling and energising by belief in and love for this genre.

With Les Sylphides my enthusiasm did wane a little, as much as I liked it and found it wonderful to watch it failed to capture my attention and spirit. I found myself drifting in and out of it but not feeling as though I had really missed much. It was easy to slip out of focus and become distracted by things like trying to figure out how the wings were made or dismantling the bloody poet's costume (agh men's costumes... need a whole separate post later to rant about those I think I could actually write book on them!!!) however some of the girls loved it, they loved the opportunity it gave you to really sit back and appreciated the skill of the dancing without worrying about the story. There was a general agreement to disagree amicably it was great to discuss it all and be able to voice my opinions freely and confidently. A real turning point in this project for me :)