Sylph tutu from Les Sylphides (1951) designed by James Pape

This tutu is from Les Sylphides which was part of the company’s first performance in 1951. Staged by founding Artistic Director Celia Franca with choreography by Michel Fokine and designs by James Pape, the ballet performed at Toronto’s Eaton Auditorium. At the time, the National Ballet was newly formed and had been rehearsing together only a brief few weeks. The lead role of a Sylph would have been danced by many of the National Ballet’s earliest members, ranging from Corps de Ballet members to Principal Dancers.
Les Sylphides is a mood ballet, or what is called a “ballet blanc”, which uses the ethereal image of the sylph to suggest a dream or fantasy world. Traditionally set in a woodland landscape, the National Ballet’s early Les Sylphides scenery featured a dappling of snow intended to make the production more “Canadian”. This costume is a typical romantic tutu that is free flowing and emphasizes the lightness of the dancer.