When Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot created their new ballet in Paris in 1841, it goes without saying that they could not have foreseen Giselle will become a fundamental work of romantic classical ballet over the next 180 years.

Commonly known as the ‘Great Ballet Tragedy’, the West Australian Ballet celebrates this milestone in 2021 with its own acclaimed version of the work, which opens at His Majesty’s Theater on May 13.

“Giselle is a work that looks at a deceptive love, it transports you as you feel all of Giselle’s emotions and sorrow as Albrecht cheats on her. It is a work that Sandy and I have danced several times and which is very meaningful to us, ”said Aurélien Scannella, artistic director of the West Australian Ballet.

“Our version was the first complete ballet we created for the people of WA and it stays true to the Coralli and Perrot original, with the inclusion of many beautiful details from the versions we danced,” said Scannella.

West Australian Ballet’s acclaimed Giselle premiered in 2014 after being choreographed for the company by Scannella and Senior Rehearsal Director and Artistic Associate Sandy Delasalle. The work, which has so far been seen by over 23,500 people, remains one of the West Australian Ballet’s most popular classical ballets.

The historical production follows peasant Giselle as she falls in love with Albrecht, a prince in disguise. When she finds out that he is engaged to another, her grief becomes unbearable and she dies of a broken heart, her spirit joining the ghostly Wilis.

The Wilis, who see 15 dancers take the stage in romantic white tutus, are vengeful ghosts of women who had been despised by lovers of the past. The Wilis lure the men into the forest to make them dance until they die.

Another historic element of the transcendent work is Adolphe Adam’s powerful score, which will be performed live by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra under the direction of talented Western Australian conductor Jessica Gethin.

Giselle is presented at His Majesty’s Theater for 11 shows from May 13-22, including a new midweek matinee, tickets are available through waballet.com.au

Images: Frances Andrijich and Wunderman Thompson

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Tags: Giselle, WA Ballet