Dance: ‘Giselle’ by the Kiev Grand Ballet

"Giselle" represents the pinnacle of Romantic ballet and is regarded as one of the finest gems in the repertoire. Premiered in 1841, it was an instant success. "Giselle" explores all the themes of Romanticism: local colour and a pastoral love story that ends in tragedy, the intrusion of a fantastical world, and redemption through the power of love.

The title role in “Giselle” is one of the most demanding in the repertoire, requiring the dancer not only to possess impeccable technical mastery but also to display dramatic expression ranging from joie de vivre to despair, and then to madness and passion.
The choreography, which was quite surprising for its time, is striking for the solidity of its structure, both in the grand scenes featuring the corps de ballet and in the solo passages.

This masterpiece of classical ballet is a treat for all dance lovers thanks to the performance by the artists of the Kiev Grand Ballet – a touching and marvellous symphony of dance.

Ballet in two acts by Adolphe Adam
Conductor: A. Stoyanov
Choreography: M. Petipa
Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes, including an interval