Jacopo Tissi

The ultimate romantic ballet, performed by former Bolshoi Ballet principals Olga Smirnova and Jacopo Tissi, who fled Russia and joined the Dutch National Ballet, where this production is filmed. The young peasant girl Giselle falls in love with Albrecht, a nobleman already betrothed who hides his true identity from her. When she learns the truth, she becomes mad and dies. Against her own will, Giselle joins the Wilis: vengeful spirits of jilted brides who condemn Albrecht to dance until he dies of exhaustion.

Captured live, direct from Moscow, Russia, this historic masterpiece of breathtaking beauty born at the Bolshoi Theatre remains an all-time audience favorite.

The story of Giselle tells of the shattered love of a young peasant girl who believes she has found the man of her dreams in Albrecht, only to discover he is promised to another. This betrayal causes her downfall, but even beyond death, her love remains unbroken… Through her forgiveness, Giselle transcends betrayal and restores a form of peace, as powerful as the love she has lost. This version from the Dutch National Ballet, directed by Rachel Beaujean and Ricardo Bustamante, revisits Giselle while staying true to the essence of the iconic choreography by Marius Petipa, after Perrot and Coralli. The production combines precise and expressive choreography with sets and costumes that elegantly support the narrative: a perfect setting for stars Olga Smirnova and Jacopo Tissi, who bring the doomed couple to life with masterful intensity.