Giselle is a romantic ballet created in 1841 by composer Adolphe Adam and choreographer Jules Perrot. It is one of the oldest and most beloved works in the entire classical ballet repertoire.
The story of Giselle follows the eponymous heroine, an innocent peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman who is promised to another woman. When her love is unrequited, Giselle tragically dies of a broken heart, only to be resurrected as a powerful spirit who protects her beloved from the wrath of his spurned fiancée.
The ballet begins in a rural village where Giselle lives with her loving but protective mother. One day, she meets Albrecht, a young prince disguised as a villager.
He falls instantly in love with Giselle and she reciprocates his affections. However, when it is time for Albrecht to leave the village, he must return to his duties as prince and he reveals his true identity to Giselle. She learns that he has already been promised to another woman and her world comes crashing down.
In despair, Giselle’s heart gives out and she dies from grief-induced hysteria. Her death brings about a magical transformation; she rises from her grave as a female spirit known as a Wilis – immortal beings that are said to inhabit forests and possess supernatural powers over men. As a Wilis, Giselle finds peace only when she protects Albrecht from the wrath of his jilted fiancée – Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis – by dancing him into exhaustion until morning light breaks through and sets him free from their supernatural power.
Giselle ultimately finds redemption in protecting her beloved Albrecht despite their tragic circumstance; it’s an inspiring story of love transcending beyond life itself. With its combination of romance and tragedy along with its stunningly beautiful choreography set to Adam’s memorable score, it’s no wonder why this beloved classic continues to enchant audiences around the world more than 170 years after its premiere.
Conclusion: The story of Giselle is an inspiring classic about unrequited love transcending beyond life itself – even in death Giselle still found redemption by protecting her beloved from harm. Its combination of romance, tragedy and beautiful choreography set to Adam’s memorable score makes it one of the most beloved ballets ever written – captivating audiences around the world since its first performance more than 170 years ago!