The 53rd Hong Kong Arts Festival Dazzles With The Timeless “La Sylphide”

Step into the spellbinding world of “La Sylphide” at the 53rd Hong Kong Arts Festival, the most magical cultural event of the year!

Get ready to be swept off your feet, as the Czech National Ballet brings the timeless magic of “La Sylphide” to Hong Kong this March! This isn’t just any ballet — it’s the oldest surviving masterpiece still performed in its original form, celebrated as the very first Romantic ballet. Performed by the Czech National Ballet (one of Central Europe’s most celebrated dance companies) with a history dating back to the 1800s, this production is brimming with lively characters, breathtaking choreography and a story that’s perfect for families to enjoy together. Since its dazzling debut with the Royal Danish Ballet in 1836, “La Sylphide” has enchanted audiences with its spellbinding mix of fantasy, passion and elegance. Now, it’s your chance to snag some tickets and witness this ballet’s history, artistry and wonder, all in one unforgettable performance!

A Romantic Ballet Like No Other

Johan Kobborg’s choreography brings a fresh twist to a timeless classic, blending tradition with a modern spark. As a former star of the Royal Ballet in London and the Royal Danish Ballet, Kobborg knows how to create magic on stage. His take on “La Sylphide” revives hidden gems from the past while making the story feel as vibrant and relatable as ever. It’s romantic ballet at its best — beautifully preserved, yet full of life for today’s audiences!

 Dance with the Magic of the Bournonville Style

What makes “La Sylphide” truly magical is the iconic Bournonville style, a hallmark of early 19th-century Romantic ballet. This unique style demands extraordinary precision and artistry from the dancers, who must execute impossibly light leaps, lightning-fast footwork and intricate beats with breathtaking grace. But it’s not just about the technical mastery: the dancers’ vivid, natural acting draws you into the story, making every moment on stage feel alive and deeply emotional. It’s an experience that will leave you mesmerised!

A Scottish Fairytale Full of Wonder

Picture this: a rugged highland setting where male dancers don traditional kilts, adding a touch of Scottish charm to a magical story. At the heart of the tale is James, a young man torn between two worlds — a life of duty with his fiancée and the irresistible pull of a mystical sylph who leads him into a realm of magic and temptation. His experience embodies the themes of love, desire and the realisation that not all dreams are meant to come true. The clash between fantasy and reality will pull at your heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat!

Grab Your Tickets Now!

Whether you’re a seasoned ballet fan or just trying to score some culture points, “La Sylphide” promises something magical for everyone. Join us at the 53rd Hong Kong Arts Festival and let “La Sylphide” transport you to a world where magic and dance come together in perfect harmony. If you’re seeking an unforgettable cultural outing or simply wish to immerse yourself in a spellbinding fairytale, this extraordinary performance is one you won’t want to miss!

Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
When: 6 to 8 March, 7:30pm; 8 March, 2:30pm
How much: 6 to 8 March 7:30pm: $720, $620, $520, $420, $320, $220 (students: $360, $310, $260, $210, $160, $110); 8 March 2:30pm: $680, $580, $480, $380, $280, $200 (students: $340, 290, 240, 190, 140, 100) — head here to book!

Hong Kong Arts Festival Society, Room 1205, 12/F, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2824 3555, Instagram: @hkartsfestival, www.hk.artsfestival.org