A bit about the ballets we are performing at Célèbres Ballet: Famous Pieces...

CÉLÈBRES BALLET 2025 – BALLET STORYLINES

Lés Sylphides

A ballet without a traditional plot, Lés Sylphides is a romantic, dreamlike reverie where a poet dances among sylphs—ethereal spirits of the air. Set to the music of Chopin, this ballet is a celebration of pure movement, moonlight, and poetic atmosphere.

Coppélia

Coppélia is a light-hearted tale of love and mischief. When a young man named Franz becomes fascinated by a mysterious girl sitting on a balcony—who turns out to be a life-sized doll—his clever fiancée Swanhilda steps in to set things right, when she sneaks into a dollmaker’s workshop. This ballet is performed and celebrated with humor, some sneaky disguise, and charm.

Don Quixote

Inspired by the legendary novel of the same name, Don Quixote, follows the spirited young Kitri and her beloved Basilio as they navigate through a whirlwind of mistaken identities and lively Spanish flair. With bold characters and thrilling dancing, the ballet ends in a joyful celebration of love. The book, Don Quixote, also inspired a play and a musical called  Man of La Mancha.

Sleeping Beauty

A timeless fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty tells the story of Princess Aurora, cursed to sleep for 100 years by an evil fairy. Saved by the good Lilac Fairy and awakened by a Prince Florimond’s kiss. The ballet culminates in a regal wedding that celebrates love, magic, and destiny, displaying famous fairytale characters as wedding guests.

La Bayadère

Set in ancient India, La Bayadère tells the tragic love story of Nikiya, a temple dancer, and the warrior Solor. Betrayal and fate tear them apart, when Solor becomes engaged to Gamzati, the Rajah’s (the king’s) daughter. Drama and trickery ensue as Nikiya’s death is arranged by the Rajah (the king) himself, but in the mystical Kingdom of the Shades, their spirits reunite in a breathtaking vision of eternal love.

Giselle

Giselle is the story of a young peasant girl who dies of a broken heart after discovering her lover’s secret. In the moonlit forest, she joins the Wilis—ghostly spirits of betrayed brides—who seek revenge. But Giselle’s love endures beyond death, saving him from their wrath.

Esmeralda

Inspired by Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Esmeralda is a spirited and strong-willed Romani dancer who captures hearts with her grace and courage. Her dances dazzle, even as she navigates danger and defends her freedom with fearless strength.

Raymonda

Raymonda is a noblewoman torn between duty and love. As she awaits the return of her betrothed, she must fend off an unwelcome suitor with bravery and poise. The ballet’s majestic wedding scene is a triumphant conclusion filled with dazzling classical dance.

Swan Lake

Swan Lake is a story of enchanted transformation, forbidden love, and tragic beauty. Prince Siegfried falls for Odette, a princess cursed to be a swan by day. As love and deception collide, the ballet’s sweeping choreography and haunting score make it an unforgettable classic that ends in tragedy.