Digital Programme Information

Welcome!

Giselle is a much-loved classical staple for ballet companies around the world and it has a particularly long history at The National Ballet of Canada, where the first performances of Sir Peter Wright’s version date back to 1970. Generations of our artists have thrived on the challenge of Giselle and I’m honoured to continue that tradition.

First presented in 1841, Giselle has been called “the ballerina’s Hamlet” for the complex technical and dramatic challenges of the title role. We have several experienced Giselle’s revisiting the role this season along with a debut by Tirion Law in her first year as Principal Dancer. Whether the dancers are moving more deeply into Giselle’s journey or exploring it for the first time, the opportunity for artistic growth is invaluable.

Giselle wouldn’t be as significant a ballet without the hauntingly beautiful support of the Corps de Ballet, who embody so much of its emotional drama. This season, I have also reinstated the peasant pas de six in Act I from Sir Peter’s original staging to provide more opportunity for our artists to shine and engage with this wonderful ballet.

Thank you for being with us and enjoy the performance!

Hope Muir,
Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director

Heather Ogden. Photo by Micheal Slobodian.

Creative Teams and Casting

Creative Team Biographies

For casting, see your printed programme or click here for casting of lead roles.

Dancer Biographies

The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra

Harrison James with Artists of the Ballet. Photo by Aleksandar Antonijevic.

Articles

Giselle - The Ballerina's Hamlet 

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Synopsis

About the Ballet

Artists of the Ballet. Photo by Michael Slobodian.

Leadership and Staff

Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director

Amanda Ram, Interim Executive Director

David Briskin, Music Director and Principal Conductor

Board of Directors

Staff

Land Acknowledgement

The National Ballet of Canada acknowledges that we live, work, and create on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and this land is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Our Community of Support

Thank you to all our donors, sponsors and volunteers for your passion, commitment and generosity. Your contributions, which fund our activities onstage, behind the scenes and in our community, are vital to The National Ballet of Canada.

Our Community of Support

Top photo: Artists of the Ballet in Giselle. Photo by Daniel Neuhaus.