Giselle Ballet

A Romantic Favourite

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Giselle ballet was originally choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, the modern production seen today was choreographed by Marius Petipa for the Imperial Ballet. Seen as one of the great Romantic ballets, Giselle was first performed in Paris in 1841.

In the Rhineland village a young nobleman named Albrecht comes across Giselle who is a young and beautiful peasant girl. He leads her to believe that he is a farmer named Loys.

Giselle is unaware of his true identity and becomes captivated by his charm. She completely falls in love with him.

What Giselle does not know is that Albrecht is already engaged to Bathilde, the daughter of the Duke.

A young villager Hilarion is in love with Giselle and suspects that Albrecht is an impostor. He tries to warn Giselle not to trust the stranger, but she is in love and refuses to listen.

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Giselle and Loy passionately dance together but Giselle, who has a fragile health, has a weak heart and struggles to continue.

Horns are heard in the distance of the village and a hunting party enter. Among the hunters are Albrecht's fiancée, Bathilde and her father.

A celebration begins and Giselle dances with the party. The truth about Loys is revealed and the shock becomes too much for Giselle, she is horrified and weak. Giselle goes mad and dies of a broken heart.

Some stories say Giselle dies of as a result heart, others say she kills herself with a sword.

Act Two

Giselle's grave lies in an unhallowed ground by the forest lake. Her spirit arises from her grave and Myrtha, the Queen of the Willis, welcomes the new companion, Giselle.

The rest of the Willis join Giselle who are also female spirits and the ghosts of young girls.

Hilarion is grieving Giselle's death and stops by her grave. He is surrounded by the Willis who seek revenge upon men by dancing them to death.

The Willis pursue Hilarion and drive him to his death.

Albrecht enters and searches for Giselle's grave. Her spirit emerges and Albrecht begs for forgiveness. Giselle still loves Albrecht so she willingly forgives him.

The Willis surround Albrecht and intend to seek his death too, but Giselle manages to protect him. When day breaks the Willis fade away and fall back to their graves.

Giselle's love saved Albrecht which means her spirit can be freed from the power of the Willis. She returns to her grave to rest in peace, leaving Albrecht sorrowing alone.

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