Ballet
La Fille mal gardée
La Fille mal gardée is one of the sunniest, most charming comedies in ballet. It has young love, a bumbling suitor, and even a famous clog dance. Frederick Ashton's version is a favorite for its warmth and its cheeky sense of fun.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Ferdinand Hérold (Ashton version, arranged by John Lanchbery)
- Choreographer
- Frederick Ashton (1960 version); the ballet dates to 1789
- Premiere
- 1789 (original); the beloved Ashton version premiered in 1960
- Structure
- Two acts
- Running time
- About 2 hours with an interval
The story
Lise is in love with the farmer Colas, but her mother, the Widow Simone, wants her to marry Alain, the goofy son of a wealthy vineyard owner. Through a series of comic mix-ups on the farm, the young lovers outwit the grown-ups. In the end the Widow relents and Lise and Colas get their happy ending.
What La Fille mal gardée is famous for
- the Widow Simone's comic clog dance
- a ribbon pas de deux
- its sunny farmyard setting
- Ashton's charming choreography
Companies that perform La Fille mal gardée
La Fille mal gardée is in the repertoire of companies including The Royal Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What does La Fille mal gardée mean?
The French title roughly means the poorly guarded girl, referring to Lise slipping away from her watchful mother to be with the boy she loves.
Is La Fille mal gardée a comedy?
Yes, it is one of the most lighthearted and funny classical ballets, full of charm and gentle slapstick.
Who is the Widow Simone?
She is Lise's mother, a comic role often danced by a man, famous for her clog dance.
Who composed La Fille mal gardée?
La Fille mal gardée was composed by Ferdinand Hérold (Ashton version, arranged by John Lanchbery).
How long is La Fille mal gardée?
La Fille mal gardée runs about 2 hours with an interval.