The Royal Ballet is performing Frederick Ashton’s production of La Fille mal gardée at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden [1, 2].
The return of this joyful classic marks a significant moment for the company, as the ballet had not appeared on the Covent Garden stage since 2016 [2].
Francesca Hayward and Marcelino Sambé lead the production, performing the celebrated pas de ruban. This ribbon pas de deux features the characters Lise and Colas weaving ribbons together in a complex, choreographed duet [1, 2]. The performance is part of a limited engagement that continues on the Royal Opera House Main Stage until June 9 [1].
The production serves as a lighthearted counterpoint to current global tensions. Dancer Marianela Núñez said, "It was just what this heavy world needed right now" [2].
Ashton's choreography remains a staple of the Royal Ballet's repertoire. The ribbon duet is specifically noted for its technical precision and the playful chemistry between the lead dancers [1, 2]. By bringing the piece back to the main stage, the company reintroduces a work known for its charm, and accessibility, to a new generation of audiences [2].
“The ballet had not been seen on the Covent Garden stage since 2016.”
The revival of La Fille mal gardée highlights the Royal Ballet's strategy of balancing contemporary works with heritage choreography. By returning to a piece absent from the main stage for a decade, the company leverages the enduring popularity of Frederick Ashton to provide an accessible entry point for audiences seeking escapism and traditional technical mastery.
