Giselle at the National Concert Hall 28th and 29th June
The greatest of all Romantic ballets, Monica Loughman's production of Marius Petipa's classic is a tale of betrayal, supernatural spirits and love that transcends death. This popular family ballet has been performed to full houses across Ireland in recent years and was attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins in Galway in 2011.
The role of Giselle will be danced by golden cross of the stage winner and principal of Lithuanian National Opera Ballet, Olga Konosenko. The coveted role of Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, will be performed by Irish ballet artist, Leanne Sexton.
Giselle is a peasant girl who in Act One has fallen in love with Count Albrecht, who has led her to believe that he is a villager named Loys. Her discovery of his true identity has devastating consequences. Act two plunges the audience into an eerie moonlit forest haunted by the ethereal Wilis -- vengeful spirits of young brides who died before their wedding day.
Giselle is the quintessential Romantic ballet. It transformed the dance world when it was first performed in Paris in 1841 and remains at the centre of the classical repertory. Monica Loughman's production uses Marius Petipa's classic version, which was first staged in St Petersburg in 1884. Her style of choreography is classically Russian and comes from her years as principal ballerina of the Tchaikovsky Perm State Ballet where she went as a child to train at the age of 14.
Giselle is the perfect way to discover classical ballet.
Giselle is a love story that transcends all other ballets and it is one of the most magnificent ballets in the classical repertoire. Suitable for young and old alike, this classical ballet will inspire and enchant you like no other.
