La Sylphide, which first appeared in the 1830's, was the world's first Romantic ballet. The story of James, a young Scottish farmer enchanted by a sylph, or tree fairy, on the eve of his wedding, combines reality and fantasy. The great Danish choreographer August Bournoville created a version of La Sylphide for the Royal Danish Ballet in 1836, and it remains his most famous and enduring ballet. The Royal Danish Ballet rightly regards its interpretations of the Bournoville classics as being in the purest and most faithfully maintained tradition. This production, recorded at the Royal Theatre, Copenhagen in 1988, features Lis Jeppesen as La Sylphide. She is of the most famous interpreters of the role, which requires lyrical interpretation as well as superb technique. Nikolaj Hubbe and Sorella Englund also star as James and Madge respectively.