Adam : Giselle

Adam : Giselle

Much more than just a ballet, Adolphe Adam’s Giselle delves into the twists and turns of the human soul: betrayed innocence, elevated pain, forgiveness that echoes beyond death, and finally, dance that transcends time. Featuring the stars Olga Smirnova, Jacopo Tissi, and the outstanding Dutch National Ballet.

The premiere of Giselle by Adolphe Adam on June 28, 1841, at the Paris Opera was a landmark event in the history of dance, establishing the work as an essential reference in classical ballet. Since then, this masterpiece has stood the test of time, captivating audiences with its powerful story and the depth of its choreography.

The story of Giselle tells of the shattered love of a young peasant girl who believes she has found the man of her dreams in Albrecht, only to discover he is promised to another. This betrayal causes her downfall, but even beyond death, her love remains unbroken… Through her forgiveness, Giselle transcends betrayal and restores a form of peace, as powerful as the love she has lost.

This version from the Dutch National Ballet, directed by Rachel Beaujean and Ricardo Bustamante, revisits Giselle while staying true to the essence of the iconic choreography by Marius Petipa, after Perrot and Coralli. The production combines precise and expressive choreography with sets and costumes that elegantly support the narrative: a perfect setting for stars Olga Smirnova and Jacopo Tissi, who bring the doomed couple to life with masterful intensity.

An invitation to rediscover the timeless wonders of this classic amongst the classics, whose ethereal beauty touches the core of the deepest human emotions.

Adam : Giselle [DVD & Blu-ray]

Ballet in two acts (1841)

Music : Adolphe Adam
Libretto : Jean Coralli et Jules Perrot

Giselle : Olga Smirnova
Albrecht : Jacopo Tissi
Hilarion : Giorgi Potskhishvili
Myrtha : Floor Eimers
Pas de Quatre : Yuanyuan Zhang, Naira Agvanean, Edo Wijnen, Sho Yamada

Choreography : Marius Petipa, after Jean Coralli et Jules Perrot
Production and additional choreography : Rachel Beaujean et Ricardo Bustamante

Dutch National Ballet
Dutch Ballet Orchestra

Director : Ermanno Florio

Sets and costumes : Toer van Schayk
Lighting design : James F. Ingalls