Grand Adage à la Rose – in English, the Rose Adage – is the first official introduction of the grown Princess. This piece follows the Princess’ entrance at her 16th birthday ball at the beginning of Act I. She entertains four suitors, though by the end the audience knows none have her heart. The Rose Adage is a perfect example of how choreography and interpretation can convey a story. We see the Princess greet the four Princes individually, receiving their gifts with an innocence and child-like wonder. We also see the Princes vying for her attention, all wishing to win her heart.
The incredibly difficult aspect of this adagio can be seen in the many balances the principle ballerina must hold with various extensions. It requires an incredible amount of strength and poise to execute perfectly. Below is the Rose Adage performed by Marianela Nuñez at the Royal Ballet in London. This is one of the best performances of this piece on the internet. Nuñez is considered one of the greatest ballerinas of this time, and it shows in her ability to maintain a steady balance and technique and her never-faltering expression.