MONICA LOUGHMAN BALLET

Monica Loughman Ballet with stars of the Mariinsky presents La Sylphide

November 2011 saw theatres throughout Ireland packed to overflowing for their family favorite - The Nutcracker.  Two stars of the Bolshoi theatre performed principle roles described by the Irish Times as exemplifying “athleticism, artistry, the ability to transcend the everyday with even the slightest magical spark”.  The event drew support from our President Michael D Higgins who attended the production of Giselle in April 2011, which also received a standing ovation from a full house.

Expect to be astounded by the power and presence of Ivan Mikhalev as James and the internationally renowned perfection and authenticity of Inessa Bikbulatova, as Sylph.  Monica Loughman Ballet noted by the Times this year for their disciplined Russian training will once again underpin the guest stars of Russian with a 30 strong troupe.

In this enchanting story, on the eve of his wedding, James sees a vision of the beautiful winged sylph who has fallen in love with the young Scotsman.  James is captivated by the beautiful spirit of the air but, as he tries to touch her, she vanishes.  After taking the smitten James to her magical kingdom, sylph flies away again leaving him alone and confused.  A wicked witch appears and produces a magic scarf, which she explains will stop sylph from ever flying away again.  When sylph returns James places the scarf on her shoulders with disastrous consequences.

Monica Loughman’s remarkable success story is known to every fan of the Arts in her native Ireland.  Her vision for a world class Irish company is inspiring a new generation of dancers and audiences.  Join Ireland’s own Monica Loughman and the stars of the Mariinsky supported by Monica Loughman Ballet company for this event, one of Waterford’s biggest cultural event in 2012.