Giselle

Of all Romantic ballets Giselle is the one to see and know. It is a dramatic story of betrayal, nights filled with supernatural spirits (the classic moonlit White Act) and love that transcends even death. Adolphe Adam's music, conducted by Music Director of The Royal Ballet Barry Wordsworth and by Koen Kessels, Music Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, is perfect to conjure up the atmosphere of the forest, the strong emotions of the characters and the ghostly world of the Wilis.

The title role is a major challenge for any ballerina, both technically and dramatically, from Giselle's early love to her poignant descent into madness and her final act of protecting forgiveness from beyond the grave. It has a wealth of ensembles to bring the full company of The Royal Ballet to the stage, and solo roles of pure dance and expressive mime. Peter Wright's beautiful production retains all the important elements of Giselle's great classical heritage. It is no surprise then that this is not just a regular favourite of ballet aficionados but also a wonderful work through which anyone can discover the enduring appeal of classical ballet.