La Fille Mal Gardée
Nadia Nerina and David Blair in La Fille Mal Gardée. Their performances helped establish Sir Frederick Ashton's production as one of the most beloved versions of the ballet.
QUICK F A C T S
- La Fille Mal Gardée premiered in 1789, making it one of the oldest ballets still regularly performed today.
✦ The ballet was originally choreographed by Jean Dauberval.
✦ The title translates roughly as "The Poorly Guarded Girl."
✦ The story follows Lise and Colas as they try to outwit Lise's mother and marry for love.
✦ Sir Frederick Ashton's 1960 production became the most famous modern version of the ballet and introduced many of its best-known scenes.
Anna Pavlova: Lise, Nikolai_Legat: Colas dans "La fille mal gardée. Berlin
S U M M A R Y
La Fille Mal Gardée is one of the oldest ballets still performed today and one of the most cheerful works in the classical repertory. Set in the countryside, the story follows Lise, a spirited young woman who is in love with the farmer Colas. Her mother, Widow Simone, has other plans and hopes to marry Lise to the wealthy but comically awkward Alain. Through clever schemes, misunderstandings, and determination, the young lovers work to overcome the obstacles standing between them.
Natalie Böck im La Fille mal gardée, commons.
An advertisement for the first London production of La Fille Mal Gardée in 1791. More than two centuries later, the ballet remains a beloved part of the classical repertory.
Unlike many famous ballets filled with magic, royalty, or tragedy, La Fille Mal Gardée focuses on ordinary people and everyday life. The ballet celebrates rural communities, family relationships, and young love with warmth and humor. Its lighthearted story, colorful characters, and playful scenes have helped make it a favorite with audiences for more than two centuries.
First created in 1789 by Jean Dauberval, La Fille Mal Gardée has been revived and reimagined many times throughout its history. The version most often performed today is Sir Frederick Ashton's 1960 production, known for its lively choreography and memorable comic moments. With its joyful spirit and happy ending, the ballet remains one of the most beloved comedies in the classical ballet repertory.
Anna Pavlova 1912.
E N C O R E
✦ On Today's Stage
La Fille Mal Gardée remains one of the most frequently performed comic ballets in the world. Sir Frederick Ashton's 1960 production is especially beloved and continues to be staged by major ballet companies.
✦ Iconic Interpreters
Nadia Nerina helped define the role of Lise in Ashton's production, while dancers such as Lesley Collier, Marianela Nuñez, and Natalia Osipova have brought new life to the ballet for modern audiences.
✦ Legacy
With its humor, warmth, and celebration of everyday life, La Fille Mal Gardée has charmed audiences for more than two centuries. It remains one of the finest examples of ballet comedy and a reminder that great stories do not need kings, queens, or magic to be memorable.