Hope’s Insights on Giselle

Welcome to our upcoming performances of Giselle! When we describe Giselle as a “legacy” production, it’s not only the age of the ballet we’re referring to – we’re also honouring The National Ballet of Canada’s deep connection to the work and its enduring place in our repertoire. We first performed Sir Peter Wright’s staging of Giselle in 1970 and it has been a touchstone for classical excellence ever since. It’s my pleasure to share some insight into this glorious ballet before you attend.

Giselle premiered in Paris in 1841 with choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, though most versions today are based on Marius Petipa’s revivals. The story, inspired partly by the writings of Heinrich Heine, follows a young woman who falls in love with a newcomer to her village, only to discover he is a nobleman, Albrecht, and already engaged to Bathilde. This revelation leads to Giselle’s tragic breakdown and death. By Act II she has joined the Wilis, the spirits of betrayed women who dance men to death. The romance and drama are otherworldly, framing some of ballet’s most exquisite dancing.

Giselle is a tour de force for the entire company, from the dancers portraying the menacing Wilis to those interpreting the dramatic lead roles. The stamina, technical clarity and emotion required to dance the title role of Giselle have made it a testing-ground in the classical repertoire, prompting the critic Cyril Beaumont to say that Giselle is the Hamlet of ballet.

Thank you so much for being with us and enjoy the performance!

Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director

Giselle is Onstage November 20 – 24

Top Photo: Hope Muir. Photo by Karolina Kuras.