Ballet Theatre Of Maryland Opens Season With Ballet In The Garden And “La Sylphide”

This fall, Ballet Theatre of Maryland (BTM) will kick off its season with a VIP event, Ballet in the Garden, at the historic Hammond-Harwood House on September 19 followed by the romantic ballet “La Sylphide” at Maryland Hall, October 16-18. This will mark the company premiere of “La Sylphide,” an enchanting story ballet set in Scotland.

Ballet in the Garden provides audiences with a unique preview of the season ahead. The annual VIP event, set in the natural beauty of Hammond-Harwood House’s gardens, often features performance pieces plucked from BTM’s upcoming repertory.

Artistic Director Nicole Kelsch said, “The beginning of the season is always an exciting time at BTM. As we prepare for Ballet in the Garden, which has become one of our favorite traditions, the company premiere of ‘La Sylphide’ is already on the horizon. This whimsical production is the world’s oldest surviving story ballet, and we are delighted to continue its legacy by introducing it to audiences here in Annapolis.”

Dating back to 1832, “La Sylphide” follows the misadventures of James, a young Scotsman. As he naps by the fire on the morning of his wedding, James is woken up by a kiss from an ethereal sylph. She captivates him, and James soon abandons his wedding to chase after her into the forest. Though they are overjoyed to be together, trouble is brewing: The sylph is so airy that she slips right through James’ fingers. A witch promises that she can make the sylph his own, but James fears what her true intentions might be.

With music by Herman Severin Løvenskiold and choreography based on that of August Bournonville, “La Sylphide” blends dramatic storytelling, high-energy Scottish dancing, and a dreamy ballet blanc of diaphanous sylphs. “La Sylphide” continues BTM’s signature programming style of staging historically significant works with characters and dancing that feel just as vibrant as they did 200 years ago.

Ballet in the Garden will take place on September 19 at 5:00pm. Tickets are $80 for general audiences and $60 for Hammond-Harwood House members and BTM subscribers. BTM premieres “La Sylphide” at Maryland Hall October 16-18. Single tickets for this performance are $62, with discounts available for seniors, military members, students and children. Virtual tickets for “La Sylphide” are $36 per household. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.balletmaryland.org or call 410-224-5644.