In the world of classical ballet, Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty” holds a special place. One of the most captivating characters in this timeless masterpiece is the Lilac Fairy. She plays a crucial role in the story, and her presence leaves a lasting impression on both the audience and the other characters. In this blog, we will explore who the Lilac Fairy is, her personality, the ballet dance she performs, her costume, and other roles that wear the iconic lilac tutu.
- Who is the Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty? The Lilac Fairy, also known as the Lilac Fairy Godmother, is a significant character in Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty” ballet. She is not a traditional fairy tale character, but rather a creation by the ballet’s choreographer, Marius Petipa. The Lilac Fairy does not originate from the original Charles Perrault fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty,” but her inclusion enriches the narrative and adds depth to the ballet’s storyline.
- Personality of the Lilac Fairy: The Lilac Fairy is portrayed as a powerful and benevolent figure. She exudes a sense of wisdom, grace, and kindness. Throughout the ballet, she serves as a guiding force, intervening to protect Princess Aurora and counter the evil spell cast by Carabosse, the wicked fairy. The Lilac Fairy embodies goodness and positivity, symbolizing hope and the triumph of good over evil.
- The Lilac Fairy’s Role in the Ballet Dance: In the ballet “Sleeping Beauty,” the Lilac Fairy plays a pivotal role. She is introduced in Act I as the guest of honor at Princess Aurora’s christening. She bestows blessings upon Aurora but is interrupted by the malevolent Carabosse, who places a curse on the young princess. The Lilac Fairy intervenes by modifying the curse, changing Aurora’s fate from death to a hundred-year slumber that can only be broken by true love’s kiss. The Lilac Fairy then guides Prince Florimund to find Aurora’s enchanted castle, where he wakes her with a kiss in Act III.
- Ballet Dance of the Lilac Fairy: The Lilac Fairy’s presence is prominent throughout the entire ballet, and she performs a beautiful solo variation during the Prologue. Her dance showcases her ethereal qualities and her significance as the protector of Princess Aurora. Additionally, she appears in the Vision Scene (Act II) to reassure Prince Florimund of his quest and guide him to the enchanted castle where Aurora sleeps.
- Ballet Costume of the Lilac Fairy: The Lilac Fairy’s costume is elegant and enchanting. Typically, she wears a lilac or lavender tutu, symbolizing her name. The tutu is adorned with delicate silver or gold embellishments, representing her magical aura. Her headpiece usually features a diadem or a crown, emphasizing her regal status. The costume design varies across different productions, but the overall essence of grace and elegance remains consistent.
- Other Roles Wearing Lilac Tutu: In some ballet productions, the Lilac Fairy’s tutu color might be used for other characters. For example, in the “Vision Scene,” when the Lilac Fairy conjures visions of various fairy-tale characters, each representing a different virtue, some of them might be wearing lilac tutus to further reinforce her association with goodness and guidance.
- Shades in La Bayadère: In the ballet “La Bayadère,” the “Kingdom of the Shades” scene features a mesmerizing display of dancers in white tutus. However, in some productions, the corps de ballet might wear lilac or purple tutus to create a different visual effect.
- Wili Spirits (Giselle): In Act II of the ballet “Giselle,” the Wilis are a group of supernatural spirits of young women who died before their wedding day. They wear long, flowing white tutus, but some productions may incorporate lilac or purple accents to add a unique touch.
- The Lilac Garden (Les Sylphides): “The Lilac Garden,” a one-act ballet choreographed by Antony Tudor, features a woman who is torn between her true love and her duty to marry another. Though not explicitly stated, some productions may choose lilac or purple costumes for symbolic purposes.
- Other Fantasy or Fairy-Tale Characters: In various ballets that include fantasy or fairy-tale elements, costume designers may choose to use lilac or purple costumes for characters like enchanted creatures, mystical beings, or fairies.
Conclusion: The Lilac Fairy in “Sleeping Beauty” is a magnificent character, bringing grace, wisdom, and hope to the beloved ballet. As the embodiment of goodness and the protector of Princess Aurora, she enchants audiences with her captivating presence and magical dance. The lilac tutu she wears enhances her regal and otherworldly aura, making her an integral part of this timeless masterpiece that continues to enthrall ballet enthusiasts worldwide.