Balanchine’s high regard for Delibes led him to choreograph a pas de deux from Sylvia in 1950, which he then expanded into a divertissement in 1965. The present La Source uses music from two of Delibes’ ballets, Naila and Sylvia, and includes parts of the earlier pas de deux and divertissement.

​

Léo Delibes (1836-1891) was born in St. Germain du Val and died in Paris. He learned music as a child from his mother and uncle. Renowned as a composer for dance, he had a gift for illustrating action, creating atmosphere, and inspiring movement. Although he spent many years as a church organist, he was drawn more to the theater, and he composed many light operas. The decisive advance in his career came in 1870, with his full-length ballet Coppélia.