Giselle is a masterpiece of the ballet genre, quite possibly the best of the non-Tchaikovsky ballets. The music by Adam is gorgeous and the story is heart-breaking. While maybe not quite first choice, this is a beautiful production of Giselle. The sets really suit the moods of each act, rustic for act 1 and mysterious for Act 2, likewise with the lighting. The costumes are slightly different than the costumes we are used to but not significantly or distractingly so. The whole production is sensitively filmed too. The orchestra play stylishly and with liveliness and pathos as well as a sense of drama, while the conducting does nothing to hinder the dancers or the unfolding of the story and is very clear in direction. The choreography is a little simpler than most productions of Giselle but still is incredibly expressive and characterful. The production is always involving dramatically too, Act 2 is particularly haunting and poignant. And the special effects right at the end are enough to take the breath away. The dancing is impeccable, the crowds and Corps-De-Ballet are animated and well-rehearsed, and Virginia Johnson not only dances with natural grace and strong technique but nails all the various emotions required for Giselle. In conclusion, a really beautiful production of a ballet masterpiece. While it is perhaps not the best or first-choice Giselle out there it is still well worth the discovery. 10/10 Bethany Cox
