YOU TELL US: What Did You Think of “Giselle”?

Did you see Giselle on opening weekend?  We want to hear what you think in the comments below!  Which act was your favorite?  What did you think of our sets and costumes from Italy?  Did you have a favorite moment?  Did you like Giselle best as a sweet country girl, or a crazy madwoman, or […]

Opening Night of “Giselle”: Society, Current Events and Fashion

Opening Night of Giselle Paris – June 28th, 1841  You’re a well-to-do Parisian with a ticket to the event of the year – the opening performance of Adolphe Adam’s new ballet Giselle at the Paris Opera.  You’re about to witness ballet history . . . The Saint-Denis district of Paris, circa 1840 The World You […]

Meet the Romantics, Part IV: The Authors

The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog (Caspar David Friedrich, 1818) Welcome to Part IV of our “Meet the Romantics” series to help you enter into the world of Giselle. In this series of posts you’ll get a taste of what the world of European arts and culture was doing at the time, and how […]

Meet the Romantics, Part III: The Painters

The Entry of the Crusaders Into Constantinople (Eugène Delacroix, 1840) Welcome to Part III of our “Meet the Romantics” series to help you enter into the world of Giselle. In this series of posts you’ll get a taste of what the world of European arts and culture was doing at the time, and how this […]

Meet the Romantics, Part II: The Composers

“Othello and Desdemona in Venice” by Théodore Chassériau Welcome to Part II of our “Meet the Romantics” series to help you enter into the world of Giselle. In this series of posts you’ll get a taste of what the world of European arts and culture was doing at the time, and how this masterwork ballet […]

Meet the Romantics, Part I: Capital-R Romantic

Rinaldo and Armida (Francisco Hayez, 1814) Welcome to Part I of our “Meet the Romantics” series to help you enter into the world of Giselle. In this series of posts you’ll get a taste of what the world of European arts and culture was doing at the time, and how this masterwork ballet fits into […]

BACKSTAGE PASS: “Giselle” Costume Fittings

BACKSTAGE PASS: Giselle Costume Fittings Take a look at the sumptuous Giselle costumes we’re borrowing from the Teatro del Maggio Musical Fiorentino in Florence, Italy (the same company who loaned us that gorgeous set you saw in last week’s blog post)!  We can’t wait for you to see these fabulous costumes in motion!  Soloist Brian […]

BACKSTAGE PASS: A Sneak Peek at the “Giselle” Set

BACKSTAGE PASS: A Sneak Peek at the Giselle Set Take a tour of the Giselle set we’re borrowing from the Teatro del Maggio Musical Fiorentino in Florence, Italy!  If you like what you see, you’ll be excited to hear that we’re also borrowing their costumes, which are equally lush and gorgeous.  We can’t wait for […]

Daily Dance Break: Famous Albrechts – Erik Bruhn

Erik Bruhn first performed the role of Albrecht in a 1955 matinee after a mere 3 days of rehearsal. May we remind you that David Hallberg flew to Amsterdam to prepare for the same role? Bruhn had 3 days. Even more ridiculous, the performance made history. The New York Times dubbed it “a date to […]

Daily Dance Break: Famous Albrechts – Fernando Bujones

Fernando Bujones  started making an impact on the ballet world at a young age. He joined American Ballet Theatre as a corps member at 17, and when promoted to Principal at age 19(!) he was the youngest male Principal in ABT’s history and one of the youngest in the world.  His astounding jumps and fine […]