Nicolas Rapaic

The turbulent life of the Dutch spy and dancer Mata Hari is at the heart of this large-scale ballet production by Dutch National Ballet. As the exotic, mysterious Mata Hari, she became one of the most famous dancers of her day. She travelled throughout Europe and had a network of lovers everywhere, which made her an ideal spy during World War I. She was accused – rightly or wrongly – of being a double agent, and she died in front of a French firing squad in 1917.

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.