Sziget Festival 2025 Interview: SYLPHES Aerial Ballet, Espana

The focus of Sylphes Aerial Ballet has been to give SYLPHES as much exposure as possible, both nationally and internationally. Additionally, they have created customized adaptations for events such as the Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra, the Crida de las Fallas in Valencia, and the Queen's Gala in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, among others. On June 12, they will premiere their new production, NEXUS, in Salamanca - an aerial ballet show with live electronic music performed by the French company 'Collectif Arbuste'. They are very excited and hope to present it at future editions of the Sziget Festival.

What is your daily routine before a performance?
Helena Sánchez Hortal, art director-choreographer: Before a show, we try to be well-rested and eat properly, keeping in mind that we can't eat for at least two or three hours before the performance (imagine being upside down for a long time with a full stomach!). We usually do our hair first, then take a ballet, yoga or pilates class to warm up and stretch our bodies. After that, we finish our makeup, put on our costume and harness. Our rigger checks all the anchor points for safety one more time. Finally, we do a concentration exercise to be fully prepared for the start of the show.

How many hours a week do you train?
HSH: All dancers take great care of their lifestyle and exercise daily. We combine strength training with ballet, contemporary dance, yoga, pilates, or aerial activities, depending on our preferences. One thing we all do is focus our training the week before a show on strengthening our core and lower back to prevent injuries after performances.

How long does it take to prepare a production?
HSH: This is a difficult question to answer because it depends a lot on the type of production. Preparing large shows like SYLPHES or NEXUS takes more time, while creating tailor-made productions for smaller events can be done in a few weeks of work.

Where does the inspiration for the choreography come from and who creates it?
HSH: The inspiration comes from trying to evoke the elegance of classical ballet and the figures created in synchronized swimming, all wrapped in the ethereal feeling of flying and being suspended in the air. We place special importance on the connection between dancers and the bond with the audience. I am the one who visualizes the idea and the main choreography, but all the dancers participate and contribute choreographic material, so we can say it's a collective creation process. Also, the creation of the structures and anchor points is essential and we work on that with our technical director and rigger - the person who makes it possible for us to be suspended in the air.

How do you choose the costumes and where do you get them?
HSH: For SYLPHES, we wanted costumes that highlighted the purity of the Sylphs, so we chose the color white. We wanted them to be body-hugging to clearly define lines and shapes in the air. With that in mind, we commissioned Emilio Morales, a renowned designer from Alicante, to create our white bodysuits.

How does it feel when there are friends or family in the audience?
HSH: It's always a special joy to know that there are loved ones in the audience. We get very emotional when, during the show, we manage to exchange glances with them or, in some cases, even touch their hands from the air. It's a very intimate and powerful moment that makes the experience even more meaningful for us.

What has been the biggest mistake during a performance?
HSH: One of the most delicate moments happened during a group figure where all the dancers were holding hands and spinning at high speed. We were performing in a very humid city, which made our hands sweat more than usual. The centrifugal force of the spin and the sweaty hands caused two dancers to accidentally let go, breaking the entire figure in the air. Since then, for that specific moment in the show, we’ve added an extra grip to ensure the figure doesn’t break.

What is the hardest part of your professional life?
HSH: One of the biggest challenges is balancing our artistic work with our other professions. In Sylphes Aerial Ballet, most of us have parallel jobs: I myself am a doctor working in aesthetic medicine; others are engineers, psychologists, teachers, or dancers in other companies. While enriching, it also requires great organization and commitment.

What is the most attractive part of your professional life?
HSH: The most beautiful part of this profession is being able to travel and live unforgettable experiences with a team that feels like family. Every place we go gives us the opportunity to meet new people, share our passion, and create a real connection with the audience. After each performance, we love spending time with the crowd, listening to their impressions and taking pictures with them… It's something that deeply fulfills us and reminds us why we do what we do.

What is the relationship like among team members?
HSH: After so many years traveling and working together, we are more than colleagues—we are friends and family. We respect and support each other and share common values. The trust we have built is essential, especially in a show like ours, where safety and synchrony depend on commitment and connection among everyone.

Is it a fixed team or are there changes in the lineup?
HSH: The core team is quite stable. We are currently 14 dancers, which allows us to ensure a minimum cast of 9 per show, even if someone is unavailable due to other commitments. Over time, we have incorporated new talent that has greatly enriched the project, always making sure to maintain the spirit and cohesion of the original group.

What is the secret of your success, why do you think the audience is interested in what you do?
HSH: I believe the secret of our success lies in the passion and commitment we put into each performance. We strive to create a unique experience that combines the beauty of aerial ballet, creative choreography, and an emotional connection with the audience. Additionally, we are a very united team, where each one contributes their talent and energy—and that shows on stage. People feel that authenticity and dedication, which makes them feel part of our world. For us, the most important thing is to transmit that magic and make each show special, because in the end, what we seek is to move and leave a mark on those who see us.
We want to thank you on behalf of the entire team for giving us the opportunity to share our story, and we hope to see you at Sziget Festival 2025!

https://szigetfestival.com/hu/program#/artist/2029517-SYLPHES%20Aerial%20Ballet
https://www.instagram.com/sylphesaerialballet/

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