The romantic ballet Giselle was first performed in Paris, France in 1841. It was choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, both of whom had established international reputations as dancers and choreographers. The music was composed by Adolphe Adam.
Giselle is a story of a young peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman, only to have her dreams dashed when she discovers his deception. Overcome by grief, she dies of a broken heart and is transformed into a spirit of the Wilis, who are female spirits of betrayed maidens. The Wilis force the nobleman to dance until he dies from exhaustion.
Jean Coralli was born in Paris in 1779 and began his career at the Paris Opera Ballet at the age of ten. He later became the company’s premier danseur and principal choreographer, creating numerous ballets for the company between 1820-1840. His most famous works include La Fille du Danube (1836), Diable à Quatre (1845), and Giselle (1841).
Jules Perrot was born in Lyon, France in 1810 and began his career at the Paris Opera Ballet at age fifteen. He quickly became renowned for his virtuosic technique and dramatic interpretations of characters on stage. He created several ballets for the company throughout his career including Ondine (1843), Pas de Quatre (1845), La Esmeralda (1844), and Giselle (1841).
Together, Coralli and Perrot were two of the most influential choreographers of their time and were largely responsible for establishing many of the conventions that are still used today in classical ballet. Their collaboration on Giselle brought together two distinct approaches to movement—Coralli’s emphasis on technique, gracefulness, and line; and Perrot’s focus on athleticism—to create a work that has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved ballets ever written.
In conclusion, Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot choreographed the iconic ballet Giselle together in 1841.