Napoli
Kansas City Ballet dancers rehearsing a pas de deux from Bournonville's ballet Napoli in 2013. Photo: Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios. commons.
QUICK F A C T S
- ✦ August Bournonville created Napoli in 1842 after traveling through Italy and falling in love with the city of Naples.
✦ The ballet tells the story of Teresina and Gennaro, whose love survives a shipwreck, supernatural forces, and separation.
✦ The famous third act is celebrated for its lively folk-inspired dances and remains one of the most recognizable examples of the Bournonville style.
✦ Unlike many classical ballets, Napoli ends with joy, reunion, and celebration rather than tragedy.
✦ Today, Napoli is considered a cornerstone of Danish ballet heritage and one of Bournonville's greatest masterpieces.
Ernst Meyer painted and later gifted this painting of Naples to ballet master August Bournonville. Its lively depiction of the city reflects the spirit and atmosphere that inspired Napoli.
S U M M A R Y
Napoli is one of the most joyful and beloved ballets in the classical repertory. Set in the vibrant city of Naples, the story follows the young fisherman Gennaro and his sweetheart Teresina. After a series of adventures involving a shipwreck, mysterious sea spirits, and a dramatic rescue, the couple is finally reunited. Filled with romance, humor, and celebration, the ballet captures the warmth and energy of everyday life in a bustling Italian seaside community.
Grethe Ditlevsen in 1st act of Napoli, Royal Danish Ballet 1905
Napoli 19th Century
The ballet was created in 1842 by Danish choreographer August Bournonville, who drew inspiration from his travels in Italy. Enthralled by the sights, sounds, and spirit of Naples, Bournonville sought to bring that atmosphere to the stage. The ballet combines lively folk-inspired dancing with the refined technique of the Danish ballet tradition. Its famous third act, packed with festive dances and joyful ensembles, remains one of the most celebrated scenes in ballet history.
Today, Napoli is considered a cornerstone of the Danish ballet heritage and one of Bournonville's greatest masterpieces. While its supernatural middle act adds a touch of fantasy, the ballet is ultimately remembered for its optimism, humanity, and infectious sense of happiness. More than 180 years after its premiere, Napoli continues to charm audiences with its colorful setting, spirited choreography, and celebration of love, community, and life itself.
1860 of Harald Scharrf, a ballet dancer at the Royal Theatre, Copenhagen, Denmark in "Napoli". Photograph by Henrik Wickmann in the collections of the Teatermuseet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
E N C O R E
✦ On Today's Stage — Napoli remains a treasured part of the repertoire of the Royal Danish Ballet and is widely regarded as the finest surviving example of the Bournonville style. Its joyful third act is especially beloved by dancers and audiences alike.
✦ Iconic Interpreters — Generations of Royal Danish Ballet artists have performed the roles of Teresina and Gennaro. The ballet's enduring popularity has helped preserve the distinctive technique, musicality, and lightness that define the Bournonville tradition.
✦ Legacy — More than 180 years after its premiere, Napoli remains a symbol of Danish ballet heritage. Its celebration of love, community, faith, and everyday happiness continues to delight audiences and serves as a living link to August Bournonville's artistic vision.