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The dead often danced in the French Romantic ballet of the 1830s
and 1840s. Willies, sylphs and their prey were depicted in 19th
century lithographs and albums as enchanted beings able to dance
in the air. Two such ballets have maintained their popularity
into the 21st century -- Giselle and La Sylphide.
La Sylphide (choreography: Filippo Taglioni,
music: Jean-Madeleine Schneitzhoeffer, libretto: Adolphe Nourrit)
Lithograph of Marie Taglioni by A. Chalon
London: J. Mitchell and Paris: Chez Rittner & Goupil, 1836
Jerome Robbins Dance Division
Charles Heath Beauties of the Opera and Ballet (front cover)
London: David Brogue, 1845
Jerome Robbins Dance Division