The mystical legend of the doomed brides, retold by the 19th-century German poet Heinrich Heine, became a masterpiece of world ballet thanks to the poignant music composed by Adolphe Adam and the choreographic genius of Marius Petipa, who created the definitive version of Giselle.
The drama and emotional depth, the lyricism and musicality of this ballet, enveloped in an aura of mystery, make the audience empathize with the characters from the very first notes to the final chord.
"Dressed in bridal gowns, crowned with flowers… irresistibly beautiful, the wilis dance in the moonlight, dancing more passionately and faster the more they feel their allotted hour for the dance is ending, and they must return to their cold, icy graves…" - H. Heine
The performance combines classical sets and costumes with multimedia projections on the theatre walls. This design enhances the emotional intensity and drama of the plot, allowing the audience to feel at the very center of the unfolding events and experience new aesthetic sensations.
Performed by: Imperial Ballet Company
Artistic Director and Choreographer: Ekaterina Volkova, principal dancer
The ballet is accompanied by the Olympic Symphony Orchestra
Conductors: Alexander Golikov, Dmitry Nozdrachev
Costume Designer: Vyacheslav Okunev
Digital Scenography: Art Studio “Veter”
Set Designer and Director: Darya Kotyukh
Designer: Tatyana Vasilieva
Video Directors: Stanislav Stepanov, Dmitry Yermolin
About the Imperial Ballet Company:
This young St. Petersburg troupe unites fresh creative talent and was established to explore new approaches in presenting and popularizing choreographic art, following the high standards and traditions of the Russian Ballet School.
The company’s repertoire is rich and diverse: from immortal classics, carefully preserved and interpreted with love, to bold experiments in contemporary choreography. Their dazzling productions have already graced the stages of the Hermitage Theatre and other renowned venues. Audiences can expect not only flawless technique and artistry from the dancers but also luxurious stage designs, innovative ideas, and modern technologies that establish a vivid dialogue between dance and spectators.
Currently, the Imperial Ballet Company presents world-class masterpieces: Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, and Giselle. The performances feature video projections on the Hermitage Theatre walls, creating a breathtaking visual experience that seamlessly intertwines with the classical stage designs, making each performance unforgettable.
