The ballet Giselle is a timeless masterpiece that, since its triumphant Paris premiere in 1841, has remained an essential part of the dance repertoire - widely regarded as the pinnacle of Romantic ballet. Adolphe Adam’s evocative score, the striking contrast between the two acts, and the seamless unity of music, movement, drama, and dance have secured Giselle an enduring place in the world of classical ballet.

This work marked a turning point in the evolution of the art form. The interplay between the realism of the first act and the ethereal, supernatural atmosphere of the second, the so-called “white act”, became a defining model for generations of great ballets to come. The original choreography by Jules Perrot and Jean Coralli left an indelible mark on ballet history, while the libretto, inspired by Heinrich Heine’s tale of spirits and folklore, was crafted by Théophile Gautier, Jules-Henry Vernoy de Saint-Georges, and Coralli himself.

Set in medieval Germany, the story follows Giselle, a beautiful and free-spirited peasant girl who falls in love with a charming stranger known as Loys, unaware that he is in fact Duke Albrecht, already engaged to Princess Bathilde. When Hilarion, a forester who also loves Giselle, exposes Albrecht’s true identity, the revelation leads to tragedy. Overcome with grief, Giselle loses her sanity and dies of a broken heart in Albrecht’s arms.

After her burial, her spirit is summoned to join the Wilis—vengeful ghosts of young women who died before their wedding day. Each night, they rise from their graves, condemning any man they encounter to dance until he collapses from exhaustion. When the remorseful Albrecht returns to Giselle’s grave, she appears to him as a spirit. Though heartbroken, she forgives him. Yet he becomes the Wilis’ next victim, and their relentless queen, Myrtha, commands him to dance.

In a final act of love that transcends death, Giselle protects Albrecht, sustaining him until dawn breaks and the Wilis vanish. Freed at last from their power, she returns to her grave—her love having conquered both betrayal and death, granting her eternal peace.