Ballet Arizona: love, tragedy & romance on stage this Valentine’s Day weekend
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
To celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend, Ballet Arizona is offering what many consider a thrilling love story of ‘Giselle’ — and one of the most beloved and romantic ballets of all time.
The ballet runs from Feb. 9-12 at The Madison Center for the Arts in Phoenix, according to a press release.
This ghost-filled, haunting masterpiece tells the tragic yet passionate tale of a young woman who dies of a broken heart. The ballet is famous for the Wilis, maiden spirits who take revenge on the young nobleman that betrayed ‘Giselle.’
Choreographed by Artistic Director Ib Andersen, after the original choreographers, Jean Corallie and Jules Perrot, ‘Giselle’ is an enrapturing work of art that draws audiences in with themes of enduring love, tragedy, betrayal and romance.
“The tale of Giselle is one of the best told stories of enduring everlasting love,” said Mr. Andersen, in a prepared statement. “From a vividly dramatic introduction to a hauntingly beautiful ending, this tragic love story will surely fill your hearts with romance for your Valentine’s Day celebrations.”
Audiences will also have the opportunity to engage in discussions with the professional dancers and other guest artists before or after the show with pre- and post-show chats, Ballet Arizona representatives say.
‘Giselle’ pre-show chats begin 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, and 6:45 p.m. Friday Feb. 10. A post-show chat will occur on Feb. 11 immediately after the matinee performance.
In addition to the pre- and post-show chats, Ballet Arizona invites you to attend an intimate rehearsal viewing o’f ‘Giselle’ on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. at its Studio Spotlight performance. Step inside Ballet Arizona’s Dorrance studio theater for a behind-the-scenes look at this upcoming production. This performance will also feature an educational lecture on the history of ‘Giselle’ and its importance in ballet by the famous writer and former chief dance critic Alastair Macauley.
Ballet Arizona’s opening night series sponsors are F. Francis and Dionne Najafi of Pivotal Foundation. ‘Giselle’ is also sponsored in part by SRP and Ballet Arizona’s season sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield.
