The Municipal Classical and Modern Ballet of Asunción opens its 2026 season with “The Sylph,” the romantic ballet that helped define nineteenth-century classical dance. The production can be enjoyed at the Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane on 29, 30, and 31 May, 2026, under the artistic direction of Miguel Bonnin.
Spanish ballet scholar and répétiteur Elna Matamoros leads the historical reconstruction of August Bournonville’s choreography, bringing one of ballet’s most influential works to Paraguayan audiences. The Asunción Times attended one of the opening week performances, as the production continues into its second week.
A defining work of romantic ballet
First performed in Copenhagen in 1836, The Sylph remains one of the most important works in ballet history. The story follows James, a Scottish farmer, who abandons his fiancée after becoming captivated by a mysterious sylph that appears between dreams and reality. Romantic imagery, supernatural tension, and conflict within emotions surround every scene.
The Asunción production offers local collaboration with international artistic guidance throughout every stage of the performance. Scenography comes from architect Tessy Vasconsellos, while costumes are designed by Sauté By Cancún for the production’s romantic visual identity. Assistant choreographers Ángel Ovelar, Mary Carmen Aquino, and Teresa Cassanello work alongside the dancers during rehearsals, preparing Bournonville’s demanding technique.
The production also includes special participation from the Youth Orchestra of the IMA and the BCMM Orchestra, conducted by William Aguayo during selected performances.
A season to celebrate artistic legacy
Elna Matamoros specialises in preserving the romantic choreographic style created by August Bournonville, whose techniques continue to pass through generations of dancers and teachers. Her participation forms part of a tribute season honouring both her artistic career and the legacy of her mother, ballet teacher Carmina Ocaña. The season also recognises costume designer Perla Benegas for her years working alongside the municipal ballet and contributing to the company’s productions.
Through these tributes, the season shows the importance of preserving artistic traditions across generations of performers, teachers, and collaborators. The Sylph becomes a celebration of ballet’s enduring cultural memory. Connecting historical preservation and contemporary performance while also introducing audiences to one of romantic ballet’s foundational works.
Performance information
As the final shows approach, the production concludes its run at the theatre, leaving its romantic magic present in the city’s ballet scene. Upcoming performances of The Sylph continue at the Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane on Friday, 29 May at 20:00, followed by Saturday, 30 May and Sunday, 31 May at 16:00 and 19:00. Tickets remain available through Tuti, direct sales and the theatre’s ticket office.
For more information, follow The Municipal Classical and Modern Ballet of Asunción on Instagram.
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