Giselle Metropolitan Ballet 2024
Skylar Brandt in Giselle; photo by Joao Menegussi
Daniil Simkin; photo by Daniel Jackson
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A once in a lifetime opportunity to see world-renowned ballet luminaries, Daniil Simkin and Sklyar Brandt, perform live together in what is considered the most romantic ballet of all time.
Giselle is perfect in design and narrative, telling the story of a young peasant girl whose heart is broken when she learns that the man she loves is really a prince betrothed to marry another. Giselle tells a sweeping tale of passion that transcends life and death. The full-length romantic ballet will be performed March 23-24 at Northrop, University of Minnesota.
Metropolitan Ballet of celebrates 25 years of uniting the Twin Cities communities of dance, music and theater in staging high impact works in the performing art of dance. Founder and Artistic Director Erik J Sanborn has chosen to produce Giselle, the most sacred ballet starring two greatly admired artists, Simkin and Brandt, as a deep expression of gratitude to the community of artists and patrons for their support over these 25 years.
This stunning production is the original classic ballet by Coralli & Perrot set to the enchanting music of Adolphe Adam's original score. The staging of Giselle is by Artistic Director Erik J Sanborn of Metropolitan Ballet and performed to live music with the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra directed by Dr. Yuri Ivan.
TWO WORLD STARS MELT HEARTS
The first ever for the Twin Cities, Simkin and Brandt offer a rare treasure to behold two highly acclaimed ballet dancers.
DANIIL SIMKIN of Russia, joined American Ballet Theatre as a soloist in 2008 and was subsequently promoted to principal dancer in 2012. He since then has danced most major classical and neoclassical roles in the company’s repertoire. In his professional career, Daniil has performed throughout the world. Beginning with the 2018-2019 season Daniil joined Staatsballett Berlin as a principal and maintained his position at ABT, performing with both companies as often as his schedule allows. Simkin will perform the role of Albrecht. More
SKYLAR BRANDT of New York, is a Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre (ABT). She joined ABT II in 2009, became an Apprentice with ABT in 2010, and joined the Corps de Ballet in 2011. She was promoted to Soloist in 2015 and to Principal in 2020. In 2018, Brandt was the recipient of an unprecedented Special Jury Award for her performances on the Russian television show “Big Ballet.” In 2022, Brandt was named to the Forbes “30 Under 30” list of influential leaders and entrepreneurs. Brandt will perform the role of Giselle. More
GISELLE - A ROMANTIC BALLET CLASSIC
Giselle is one of the oldest continually performed ballets. Originally premiering at the Theatre de l’Academie Royale de Musique in Paris on June 28, 1841, it has since has become a most beloved ballet among performers and patrons.
“The ghost-filled ballet tells the tragic, romantic story of a beautiful young peasant girl who falls for the flirtations of the deceitful and disguised nobleman Albrecht. When the ruse is revealed, the fragile Giselle dies of heartbreak, and Albrecht must face the otherworldly consequences of his careless seduction.
The second act is largely dominated by the Wilis, the spirits of maidens who died after being betrayed by their lovers, and take revenge in the night by dancing men to death by exhaustion (a popular theme in Romantic-era ballets). Led by Myrtha, the Queen of the Wilis, they summon Giselle from her grave and target her lover for her death, but Giselle's great love frees him from their grasp. They gain their power in numbers as they effortlessly move through dramatic patterns and synchronized movements, and control the stage with their long tulle dresses and stoic expressions, creating an ethereal atmosphere that builds as they gradually close in on Albrecht. By saving Albrecht from the Wilis, Giselle also saves herself from becoming one of them.” (Source: Wikipedia)
PERFORMANCES AND TICKETS
The ballet Giselle will be presented on Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, March 24 at 2:00 pm at Northrop, UMN, 84 Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis.
Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.northrop.umn.edu/events/metropolitan-ballet-giselle-2024, or by calling the Northrop box office at 612-624-2345. Tickets prices start at $26 with discounts for students/seniors. Giselle is delightful for all ages with a run time of 100 minutes, with intermission.