What is Napoli (ballet)?
{{italictitle}} {{Infobox ballet | name = Napoli | image = August Bournonville.jpg | image_size = | caption = Bournonville in 1841 | choreographer = August Bournonville | composer = Helsted<br />Gade<br />Paulli | librettist = August Bournonville | based_on = | premiere = March 29, 1842 | place = Copenhagen, Denmark | ballet_company = [[Royal Danish Ballet]] | characters = Teresina<br />Gennaro<br />Golfo | designer = | setting = Naples<br />Blue Grotto | created_for = | genre = Fantasy | type = [[Romantic ballet]] }} '''''Napoli''''' is a ballet in three acts. The story of the ballet and the dances are the work of [[August Bournonville]]. The music was written by E. Helsted, Gade, and Paulli. ''Napoli'' was first danced by the [[Royal Danish Ballet]] in [[Copenhagen]] on 29 March 1842. ''Napoli'' has not changed over the years. It is danced in Copenhagen today exactly as it was danced in 1842. It is said to be Bournonville's greatest ballet.<ref>{{harvnb|Balanchine|1975|p=263}}</ref> == Story of the ballet == The beautiful [[Naples|Neapolitan]] girl Teresina loves Gennaro, a very poor fisherman. Gennaro and Teresina sail out into the [[Gulf of Naples]]. A storm washes Teresina into the sea. Gennaro sets out to save her. Teresina has been taken to the blue grotto (a rocky cave) by sea [[spirit]]s. The grotto is the home of the powerful spirit Golfo. He plans to keep Teresina in the grotto. He changes her into a spirit. Gennaro sails into the grotto. He prays to the Madonna and Teresina becomes herself again. Gennaro and Teresina go back to Naples. The people believe Teresina was saved through [[witchcraft]]. A priest says it was a [[miracle]]. The people are happy. Teresina and Gennaro marry.<ref>{{harvnb|Balanchine|1975|pp=263{{ndash}}65}}</ref> {{Romantic Ballets}} == Notes == {{reflist}} == References == * {{citation |last=Balanchine |first=George |year=1975 |title=101 Stories of the Great Ballets |pu