Last night I was lucky enough to be sat watching one of the most beautiful and romantic classical ballets in history, Giselle. Performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet and at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 28th September 2019 before moving to Theatre Royal Plymouth from 23rd – 25th October and Sadlers Wells 1st-2nd November 2019.
Giselle is the story of a beautiful young peasant girl Giselle (played by Momoko Hirata) who falls in love with nobleman Albrecht (played by Cesar Morales). Tragically, Albrecht is secretly betrothed to another and when Giselle finds out about his deceitful ways, Giselle sadly takes her own life.
A ballet that looks deep into love, betrayal and death in a way that leaves you practically on the edge of your seat, with goosebumps on your arms.
The first act is magnificent, with superb ballet from flawless Momoko Hirata and Cesar Morales where you feel vested into the relationship they portray on the stage. My personal favourite moment was seeing Tzu-Chao Chou perform the Harvest pas de deux with Miki Mizutani.
Every time I come to the ballet there is a huge hope in me that Tzu-Chao Chou will have a bigger role and last night he did. A perfect performance too – well done!
Kit Holder danced well as Hilarion and was a great choice for the role.
The second act brings a stage largely dominated by the Wilis (spirits of maidens who died after being betrayed by their lovers, taking revenge in the night by dancing men to death by exhaustion).
Myrtha (Samara Downs), Queen of the Wilis, summons Giselle from her grave to take revenge and punish her lover for her death. Giselle’s undying love for him, frees him from their grasp. Samara Downs really holds a presence on the stage, captivating your full attention so effortlessly.
“The Wilis effortlessly move through dramatic patterns and synchronized movements controlling the stage with their long tulle dresses and stoic expressions, creating an ethereal atmosphere that builds as they gradually close in on Albrecht. By saving Albrecht from the Wilis, Giselle also saves herself from becoming one of them.”
This is a beautiful performance from a very talented selection of dancers and the very wonderful Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Philip Ellis, led by Robert Gibbs.
On until Saturday, book your tickets now : https://www.brb.org.uk/whats-on/event/giselle
Disclaimer: We were kindly invited along to the press night. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Photographs courtesy of Bella Kotak and BRB.