Ballet “La Fille mal gardée”

“La Fille mal gardée” is one of the most vibrant and joyous works of the English choreographer Frederick Ashton, which premiered at the Royal Ballet of London in 1960. The notable French choreographer Jean Dauberval’s 1789 work served as a source of inspiration for Ashton’s ballet, with Louis Joseph Ferdinand Hérold’s music, arranged by John Lanchbery. This gleeful story of pastoral love continues to delight admirers of the refined art of ballet all around the world.

The ballet tells the story of Lise, the only daughter of the widow Simone. She wants to marry her off to Alain, the son of a wealthy landowner. However, Lise is in love with the young farmer Colas. Fortunately, Alain is as disinterested in the girl as she is in him, and Simone is forced to accept her daughter’s choice.