Giselle, the mythical classical ballet, will be performed at The National Arts Center in Ottawa, April 4 to 6, 2019.
The summit of Romantic ballet, Giselle has never ceased to inspire choreographers and dancers from the time it was first performed by the Paris Opera Ballet, in 1841. Giselle, an innocent peasant girl, is seduced by Duke Albrecht, who is betrothed to another and hides his real identity from her. Once discovered, Albrecht’s deception inflicts a deep wound in Giselle, and she gradually sinks into madness. Alone among the Wilis—the spirits of maidens who died before their wedding—she returns to haunt the Duke’s nights.
For the first time in 20 years, Les Grands Ballets will perform this gem of the classic repertoire, with its famous tableaux of pointes and white tutus, faithfully adapted from the original. With its powerful theme of undying love that transcends madness and death, this iconic ballet pits myth against reality, and the result is both captivating and overwhelming. It is sure to provide a memorable evening of imperishable beauty.
