“Giselle“ Sergei Polunin & Natalia Osipova

Choreography: Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot Music: Adolphe Adam Albrecht - Sergei Polunin Giselle - Natalia Osipova Performance Notes: Milan 2015 Synopsis: Act I The ballet opens on a sunny fall morning in the Rhineland. Duke Albrecht, a young nobleman, has fallen in love with a shy, beautiful peasant girl, Giselle, despite being betrothed to Bathilde, the daughter of the Duke of Courtland. Albrecht disguises himself as a humble villager called “Loys“ in order to court the enchanting and innocent Giselle, who knows nothing of his true identity. Albrecht hides his fine attire, hunting horn, and sword before coaxing Giselle out of her house. Hilarion, a local gamekeeper, is also in love with Giselle and highly suspicious of the newcomer. He tries to convince the naive Giselle that her beau cannot be trusted, but she ignores his warnings. Giselle’s mother, Berthe, is very protective of her daughter, as Giselle has a weak heart and delicate health.