Ballet
Ondine
Ondine is Ashton's love letter to the ballerina Margot Fonteyn, built around a water sprite who falls for a mortal man. Henze wrote a shimmering modern score specially for it, which was unusual and bold for the time. The highlight is Ondine's famous shadow solo, where she dances in delight with her own shadow, having never seen one before.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Hans Werner Henze
- Choreographer
- Frederick Ashton
- Premiere
- 1958, London
- Structure
- Three acts
- Running time
- About 90 minutes
The story
Based on the old folk tale of a water nymph who loves a human, the ballet follows Ondine and the knight Palemon, who abandons his betrothed Berta to be with her. Ondine comes from a world of water spirits ruled by Tirrenio, and her union with a mortal carries a fatal condition: if Palemon ever betrays her, he will die. When he eventually marries Berta instead, Ondine returns to claim him with a final, deadly kiss.
What Ondine is famous for
- Created as a showcase for Margot Fonteyn
- The enchanting shadow solo in Act I
- Henze's specially commissioned modern score
- Ashton's flowing, water-inspired choreography
Companies that perform Ondine
Ondine is in the repertoire of companies including The Royal Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shadow dance in Ondine?
In Act I, Ondine, a water sprite, sees her own shadow cast on the ground for the first time and dances with it in wonder. It's the ballet's most famous passage, made to showcase Fonteyn.
Is the music a traditional ballet score?
No. Hans Werner Henze composed a modern, atmospheric score specifically for Ashton in 1958, which was a bold choice compared with the usual classical ballet sound.
How does the story end?
Palemon leaves Ondine and marries the mortal Berta, but a kiss from Ondine means death for him. She reclaims him with one final embrace, and he dies in her arms.
Who composed Ondine?
Ondine was composed by Hans Werner Henze.
How long is Ondine?
Ondine runs about 90 minutes.