SURREY — For the first time in a decade, the traditional classical ballet “Giselle” will be performed on a Metro Vancouver stage.
The dance show comes to Surrey Arts Centre later this spring in a production from Coastal City Ballet, which boasted sold-out performances of its “Swan Lake” in 2016.
Choreographed by Irene Schneider, the production will hit the Playhouse stage in Vancouver on May 19 before moving to Surrey Arts Centre on June 9.
The story involves love, betrayal, madness, despair and forgiveness from beyond the grave.
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“Giselle” debuted in Paris in 1841, and has become the epitome of ballet romanticism.
It tells the story of a young peasant girl betrayed by a nobleman disguised as a commoner.
“Unable to withstand the prince’s deception, Giselle dies of a broken heart only to join the ranks of the supernatural Wilis, restless spirits who have died before their wedding day,” publicist Bev Ferguson noted.
“As vengeful as they are entrancing, the Wilis lure young men into their lair – driving them to dance until they die. In a heartfelt display of forgiveness from beyond the grave, Giselle saves her beloved from certain death at the hands of her ghostly sisters.”
Aldolphe Adam’s score is brought to the stage by Li Yaming, Coastal City’s artistic director, who is excited to stage this ballet in the company’s sixth season.
“Vancouver audiences have such limited opportunity to see the traditional story ballets,” Yaming stated.
“After sold-out performances of Swan Lake it was clear to me that Coastal City Ballet provides a much-needed glimpse into the arts. I was determined to mount such a traditional classic again this season. Giselle has long been one of my favorite ballets, and I’m overjoyed that Vancouver will experience it as well.”
Coastal City Ballet is a repertory ballet company, based in Vancouver, that aims to provide “performance opportunities for emerging dancers, both Canadian and international.” The company’s repertoire ranges from original story ballets to classical and commissioned contemporary works by established international choreographers.
For more details about “Giselle,” visit Coastalcityballet.com. Tickets for the show in Surrey range from $35 to $42 via the website Tickets.Surrey.ca, or call 604-501-5566.
tom.zillich@thenownewspaper.com
