Giselle

Celia Franca in Giselle (1954). Photo by Ken Bell.

Photos
Videos

Lois Smith and David Adams as Giselle and Albrecht in Giselle (ca. 1953).
Celia Franca as Giselle in Giselle (1954).
Point shoes worn by Celia Franca (ca. 1959).
Giselle, Act II costume sketch (1970).
Evelyn Hart as Giselle in Giselle (ca. 1983).
The Toronto Sun clipping (November 3, 1989).
Aleksandar Antonijevic, Greta Hodgkinson and Sir Peter Wright rehearsing Giselle on the Hummingbird Centre stage (2000).

Contributing Photographers
Ken Bell
Setareh Sarmadi
Cylla von Tiedemann

Production Chronology
Pas de Deux from Giselle
Premiere Date: November 12, 1951
Choreography: Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
Music: J.F. Burgmüller

Giselle, Act II
Premiere Date: January 28, 1952
Choreography: Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
Music: Adolphe Adam
Costume and Set Design: Kay Ambrose

Giselle
Premiere Date: October 28, 1952
Choreography: Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
Music: Adolphe Adam, edited and arranged by Godfrey Ridout
Costume and Set Design: Kay Ambrose

Giselle
Premiere Date: November 6, 1956
Choreography: Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, produced by Celia Franca
Music: Adolphe Adam
Costume and Set Design: Kay Ambrose

Giselle
Premiere Date: April 16, 1970
Choreography: produced by Peter Wright, after Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot and Marius Petipa
Music: Adolphe Adam, revised and orchestrated by George Crum (1969) and, revised by Joseph Horowitz (1992)
Costume and Set Design: Desmond Heeley
Lighting Design: Gil Wechsler

Giselle was produced as a memorial to the late William P. Walker and was made possible through the courtesy of many generous friends of the National Ballet.

About the Ballet

On Stage
December 5-9, 2012
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto

Buy Tickets/More Information

Giselle is considered by many to be the quintessential Romantic ballet, representing the aesthetics of a bygone era, not only in dance, but music, literature, philosophy and art as well. It premiered in France at the Paris Opera in 1841 where it proved to be an instant success. Following its Paris premiere Giselle was performed throughout Europe and the United States and inspired a number of theatrical productions as well as the naming of a new flower, “The Giselle.” Giselle’s farewell to Albrecht even inspired a popular Victorian song, Ah No! You’ll not forget me! The production was introduced to Russian audiences in late 1841 with the title role performed by the great dramatic ballerina Fanny Elssler. It is from this version that today’s interpretations take their cues with the ballet’s emphasis lying in the drama of the story. Despite its early success Giselle disappeared from the stage in Paris and London for nearly 40 years only to be reintroduced in the early 20^th century spawning many modern productions. Giselle has been called the Hamlet of ballet and the title role is one of the most challenging roles to perform due to the great contrast in character which must be portrayed by the ballerina, from the earthly sweet movements of the first act through the dramatic climax of madness to the spiritual, airborne, weightless movements of the second act.

Ballet Notes

Get more insight into the production - Ballet Notes are detailed guides to the company's dynamic repertoire. Read the synopsis and articles and view more photos in the Giselle Ballet Note.

Read the 2009 Ballet Note

Our History

	The long-lasting partnership between Principal Dancers Lois Smith and David Adams began with the company’s first performance on November 12, 1951. The Peasant Pas De Deux from Act I was the National Ballet’s first version of Giselle performed by this famous pair. *Lois Smith and David Adams as Giselle and Albrecht in Giselle* (ca. 1953).**
	Former Artistic Director and Principal Dancer Celia Franca was well known for her portrayal of both Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis and Giselle. In her official Canadian farewell performance she performed the role of Giselle on February 28, 1959. Pointe shoes worn by Celia Franca (ca. 1959).
	Desmond Heeley redesigned the sets and costumes for The National Ballet of Canada’s production of Giselle in 1970. A distinguished designer within the theatre community for over 60 years, Desmond Heeley’s costume and set sketches are renowned for their artistry. Giselle, Act II costume sketch by Desmond Heeley (1970).
	Evelyn Hart is recognized as a leading interpreter of Giselle and performed the role as a guest artist with the National Ballet between 1983 and 1996. Known for her emotive performances, Ms. Hart was partnered by many dancers in the role of Albrecht, including Frank Augustyn, Tomas Schramek and Rex Harrington. Evelyn Hart as Giselle (ca. 1983).
	Audience members were delighted when Principal Dancer Karen Kain recovered from a minor injury in time to perform the role of Giselle in 1989. Principal Dancer Rex Harrington who stepped in to replace another injured dancer, Frank Augustyn, partnered her. The Toronto Sun article (November 3, 1989). Read the Toronto Sun article
	Choreographer Sir Peter Wright returned in 2000 to stage Giselle. The National Ballet also holds Sir Wright’s The Mirror Walkers in its repertoire. *Aleksandar Antonijevic, Greta Hodgkinson and Sir Peter Wright rehearsing Giselle* on the Hummingbird Centre stage (2000).**

Your Stories

Your story is our history! Celebrate 60 glorious years with us by sharing your treasured National Ballet memories.

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"I have been an audience member for 60 years. I have seen the ballet at Eaton Auditorium, the Royal Alexandra Theatre, the O'Keefe Centre and now the the most beautiful opera house the Four Seasons for the Performing Arts. I remember seeing Celia Franca dance in Giselle in the mad scene when she undid her hair - it was like she covered the stage with her hair. It was so dramatic. I remember seeing David Adams and Lois Smith, with Lois standing next to David on pointe doing her pirourettes barely touching him. I was there at the O'Keefe Centre on the night that Mikhail Baryshnikov defected. He did not come out to bow after his thrilling performance. The National Ballet has been a big part of my life. I danced at Mildred Wickson's studio with Carol Chadwick teaching both myself and my daughters. My love of dance has been passed on to my granddaughters who are now both modern dancers and graduates from the Simon Fraser dance program in Vancouver."

- Ms. Vivian Rosenberg, Subscriber & Donor, 60+ years

"It was about 1959, during Celia Franca's final performance of Giselle. It was also my last performance as I, a member of the Corps de Ballet, was leaving the company. The memory of tears streaming down my - and Miss Franca's - face is vivid all of these decades later. Along with the emotion at that time, how blessed I have always felt, to have shared that amazing experience with such an ICON of the Canadian ballet world."

- Mrs. Gloria Hutchinson, nee Bonnell, Alumni, Dancer 1956-1959

"My wonderful memory is introducing my late husband to the ballet. His first production was Giselle when Rudolph Nureyev danced as a Guest Artist. It was such a fabulous performance and one that resulted in many years of wonderful evenings spent at the O'Keefe Centre enjoying Karen Kain, Frank Augustyn and many others. Giselle remained our favourite ballet and will always be very special to me."

- Mrs. Stella Clark, Audience Member

"My favourite memory of The National Ballet of Canada is seeing Giselle during the National Ballet's first season in the Eaton Auditorium and realizing with delight that it was a Canadian, Lois Smith, dancing the lead role."

- James L. Donald, Audience Member, 50+ Years