Hello, summer!
A reason to get all dressed up and glam this season is to enjoy a live performance. With summer dances, theatre, The Finals presented by Showstopper, and fun festivals around the world, there are lots of ways to enjoy and celebrate dance. I had the opportunity to attend the West Coast premiere of Giselle performed by the United Ukrainian Ballet. Come along with me for a night at the ballet and find yourself as enchanted by the magic of dance and its ability to bring people together as I am.
The full-length ballet Giselle is a classic first created in the year 1841. The steps of Giselle are truly timeless. Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot (dance legends!), the version premiered in California this week was a reinterpretation of the traditional Giselle story by world-renowned choreographer Alexei Ratmansky.
Giselle tells a story of true love with many twists and turns. As the red velvet curtains opened to revela the stage and grand dance floor, it is pure excitement. From Giselle and Albrecht’s expressive pas de deux (dance for two) of elegant lifts and gorgeous arabesques to the celebratory village dances full of excitement and petit allegro to the ethereal ballet core of the “Wilis” en pointe in Act Two, this is a story of dancing the night away in white angelic romantic length tutus. Giselle is storytelling through movement. The company dancers moved across the grand stage. The characterization of Giselle was beautiful and the power behind each step was inspiring. The stage was filled with passionate artists.
The timeless music for Giselle was composed by Adolphe Adam, a French composer who created many masterpieces of sound for ballet in the 1800s that are still used today. One of the best parts of live performance is seeing the art of music and dance working together to create magic and tell a story. For this performance, the United Ukrainian Ballet was paired with the sounds of the Pacific Symphony. Playing their marvelous instruments, the orchestra followed the conductor’s lively translation of the music and lyrical speed note by note. (Fun fact: Did you know a conductor’s left- or right-hand movements signify different musical directions to the orchestra? A flick of the wrist gives the whole symphony a cue for emotion, volume, or tempo!)
The stage lighting changed with each new emotion, setting, and scene. This was also a display of beautiful costumes and detailed sets donated by the Birmingham Royal Ballet for this performance. Understanding the precise detail it takes to put together a production like this allows for even more appreciation of the artistry and work of the performers. Company dancers, choreographers, the conductor, musicians, stage manager, lighting designer, set designer, costume and wardrobe departments, team of producers, theater crew, and more all come together to make something wondrous and beautiful.
This performance of Giselle supported Blue Check Ukraine to provide humanitarian aid and relief to those in Ukraine. A night at the ballet Giselle—nights like these are the perfect spark for inspiration! Seeing hard work and art on stage makes me want to get back to the ballet barre and dance. Pure passion for dance shines! It’s no surprise the audience gave a heartfelt standing ovation. The dancers of the United Ukrainian Ballet are a beautiful inspiration of coming together to create art that speaks to all.
What dance events are you dressing up for this summer? Tag me (@royalcouturexo) and Showstopper (@goshowstoppermagazine) on social media with the hashtag #RoyalCoutureXShowstopper to share your best dance moments!
Xo,Christy Lyn
P.S.
Like my look? Check out the details of my outfit for the night below!
Get the Look
- Shiny Satin Long Dress
- Betsy Johnson Bejeweled High Heels
- Gold Sparkle Jewelry
- Red Lipstick