Frederick Ashton's odd, enchanting ballet has received mixed reviews in the 50 years since it was first performed on the Covent Garden stage. The title role, created as a showcase for Margot Fonteyn, may contain some of the most beautiful choreography that Ashton ever created for his ballerina muse. But Hans Werner Henze's score has been judged by many as too dark and ponderous for the ballet's evanescent charm, putting the whole production out of kilter. Audiences can judge Ondine again as the Royal brings the ballet back for its anniversary revival. Dancing the water sprite heroine will be four different ballerinas - Tamara Rojo, Alina Cojocaru, Alexandra Ansanelli and Miyako Yoshida - each of whom promise a different interpretation on the role's mix of fairy caprice and delicate vulnerability. Dancing Palemon, the luckless hero whose love for Ondine produces fatal consequences, will be Edward Watson, Valeri Hristov and Federico Bonelli.
• Royal Opera House, WC2, Sat 29 to Dec 6
