Giselle

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of Giselle about?

The story of Giselle is a timeless ballet that weaves together romance, betrayal, and redemption. Set in a rustic village, it follows the tale of a young, innocent peasant girl named Giselle who falls deeply in love with Albrecht, a nobleman disguised as a commoner. When Giselle discovers Albrecht is engaged to another woman, she is overcome with heartbreak and descends into madness, ultimately dying of a broken heart. In the ballet's haunting second act, Giselle joins the ranks of the Wilis

What are the willies in Giselle?

The Wilis in Giselle are supernatural beings central to the ballet's second act. According to legend, the Wilis are the spirits of young women who died before their wedding day, victims of unfaithful lovers. Consumed by heartbreak and unable to find peace, these ghostly figures rise from their graves at midnight to haunt forests and exact revenge on men by forcing them to dance until death. Led by their merciless queen, Myrtha, the Wilis embody both beauty and menace, moving with ethereal grace and chilling unity. Their presence transforms the stage into a midnight realm filled with sorrow and vengeance. In Giselle, the Wilis target Albrecht after Giselle's death, driven by their collective pain and anger. However, Giselle's enduring love and compassion ultimately shield Albrecht from their deadly embrace, underscoring the ballet's themes of forgiveness and redemption. The Wilis' haunting, otherworldly dances remain some of the most iconic scenes in classical ballet.

Where can I watch the ballet Giselle?

You can watch the ballet Giselle at major theatres, opera houses, and cultural venues around the world. Esteemed ballet companies such as The Royal Ballet in London, American Ballet Theatre in New York, and the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow regularly perform Giselle as part of their classical repertoire. Many cities host touring productions, so check local listings for upcoming performances near you. Additionally, tickets for Giselle are often available through ticketing platforms like Gigfomo, where you can find showtimes, venues, and seat availability for live performances. For those unable to attend in person, digital streaming services and official ballet company websites sometimes offer recorded or live-streamed Giselle performances, allowing you to experience the magic from home. Whether you are a seasoned ballet enthusiast or a newcomer, attending Giselle live or online promises an unforgettable evening of artistry and emotion.

Who is the male lead in Giselle?

The male lead in Giselle is Albrecht, a nobleman whose love and deception are central to the ballet's dramatic narrative. Albrecht disguises himself as a common villager to court the innocent Giselle, despite being engaged to another woman. His actions set the tragic events of the story in motion, leading to Giselle's heartbreak and eventual death. In the second act, Albrecht is consumed by guilt and visits Giselle's grave, only to be confronted by the vengeful Wilis. The role of Albrecht is a coveted and challenging part for male dancers, demanding both technical virtuosity and emotional depth. Renowned ballet stars such as Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Roberto Bolle have famously performed Albrecht, captivating audiences with their powerful interpretations. Albrecht's journey from passionate lover to remorseful soul is pivotal, making his character one of the most memorable male leads in classical ballet.

What is the story behind Giselle?

The story behind Giselle is rooted in the Romantic era's fascination with love, betrayal, and the supernatural. Premiering in Paris in 1841, Giselle was inspired by a poem by Heinrich Heine and the writings of Victor Hugo. Choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, with music by Adolphe Adam, the ballet tells the poignant tale of a young peasant girl, Giselle, who falls for the nobleman Albrecht. When Giselle learns of Albrecht's deception and engagement to another, her heartbreak leads to her untimely death. The narrative takes a mystical turn as Giselle joins the Wilis, spirits of betrayed women seeking vengeance. However, Giselle's love transcends death, and she saves Albrecht from the Wilis' deadly grasp. The ballet's themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption, combined with its ethereal choreography and haunting score, have made Giselle a masterpiece of the dance world, enchanting audiences for nearly two centuries.