Step back in time to an era of moonlit forests, fluttering sylphs and hauntingly beautiful music – welcome to the enchanting world of Romantic ballet! In this list of 10 Famous Ballets From The Romantic Era, we’re pirouetting through one of the most magical chapters in dance history.
The Romantic Era, spanning the early to mid-19th century, transformed ballet into something dreamier, more expressive and utterly spellbinding. It was during this time that ballerinas floated across the stage en pointe for the first time, appearing almost weightless – like spirits, fairies or ethereal creatures caught between two worlds. Storytelling took centre stage, with themes of unrequited love, supernatural beings and the bittersweet beauty of the unknown.
This period saw the rise of iconic composers and choreographers who crafted ballets filled with emotional depth and visual splendour. Costumes became lighter, tutus grew longer and gas lighting cast an otherworldly glow across velvet stages, drawing audiences into mysterious realms and tragic tales.
In this collection, you’ll discover ballets that have stood the test of time – works that continue to captivate dancers and audiences alike with their haunting melodies and timeless allure. Whether you’re a fan of elegant port de bras or just love a good ghostly love story, there’s something truly magical about this golden age of ballet.
1. Giselle
- Composer: Adolphe Adam
- Choreographer: Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
- Synopsis: Giselle, a peasant girl, falls in love with Albrecht, a nobleman in disguise. Upon discovering his deception, she dies of a broken heart. In the afterlife, she joins the Wilis, vengeful spirits of jilted brides. However, her love for Albrecht saves him from their wrath, leading to a poignant conclusion.
2. La Sylphide
- Composer: Jean-Madeleine Schneitzhoeffer
- Choreographer: Filippo Taglioni
- Synopsis: James, a young Scotsman, becomes enchanted by a sylph (a forest spirit) on the eve of his wedding. He follows her into the woods, abandoning his fiancée, Effie. Tragic consequences ensue as James’ pursuit of the sylph ends in sorrow and loss, culminating in the sylph’s death and James’ ultimate despair.
3. Coppélia
- Composer: Léo Delibes
- Choreographer: Arthur Saint-Léon
- Synopsis: Swanilda and Franz are engaged to be married, but Franz becomes infatuated with Coppélia, a life-like doll created by Dr. Coppelius. Through a series of comedic events and misunderstandings, Swanilda and Franz eventually reconcile, and the village celebrates their wedding.
4. La Bayadère
- Composer: Ludwig Minkus
- Choreographer: Marius Petipa
- Synopsis: Set in ancient India, the ballet tells the tragic love story of Nikiya, a temple dancer, and Solor, a warrior. Their love is thwarted by jealousy and intrigue, leading to Nikiya’s death. In the afterlife, they are reunited in the ethereal Kingdom of the Shades.
5. Pas de Quatre
- Composer: Cesare Pugni
- Choreographer: Jules Perrot
- Synopsis: This ballet is a showcase of pure dance and features four of the most famous ballerinas of the time—Marie Taglioni, Carlotta Grisi, Fanny Cerrito, and Lucile Grahn. It highlights their individual strengths and styles, emphasizing the grace and beauty of the Romantic ballet.
6. Esmeralda
- Composer: Cesare Pugni
- Choreographer: Jules Perrot
- Synopsis: Based on Victor Hugo’s novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” the ballet tells the story of Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy girl, and her entanglement with the bell-ringer Quasimodo, the archdeacon Frollo, and Captain Phoebus. Themes of love, jealousy, and tragedy are central to the narrative.
7. Ondine
- Composer: Cesare Pugni
- Choreographer: Jules Perrot
- Synopsis: The ballet follows the story of Ondine, a water nymph who falls in love with a mortal knight, Sir Palemon. Their love is doomed as Palemon ultimately betrays Ondine, leading to his death by her hand, as she fulfills the curse of the water spirits.
8. La Esmeralda
- Composer: Cesare Pugni
- Choreographer: Jules Perrot
- Synopsis: Similar to “Esmeralda,” this ballet adapts Victor Hugo’s novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” into a romantic ballet. The story revolves around the gypsy girl Esmeralda, her love for Captain Phoebus, and her tragic fate orchestrated by the villainous archdeacon Frollo.
9. Le Corsaire
- Composer: Adolphe Adam
- Choreographer: Joseph Mazilier (later revised by Marius Petipa)
- Synopsis: The pirate Conrad falls in love with Medora, a slave girl. The ballet is filled with daring escapades, battles, and rescue missions. Conrad and Medora’s love faces numerous obstacles, but they eventually escape to freedom together.
10. Napoli
- Composer: Edvard Helsted, Holger Simon Paulli, and Niels W. Gade
- Choreographer: August Bournonville
- Synopsis: Set in Naples, the ballet tells the story of Teresina, a young Italian girl, and her love for Gennaro, a fisherman. Teresina is lost at sea but is saved by sea spirits. After overcoming various trials, she is reunited with Gennaro, and they celebrate their love with a joyous wedding.
These ballets from the Romantic era are celebrated for their emotional depth, dramatic storytelling, and innovative choreography, marking a golden age in the history of ballet.
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