Great Russian Ballet
The Great Russian Ballet is a touring ballet company that presents classic Russian ballet productions worldwide, often featuring elite dancers trained in Russia’s most prestigious ballet academies, such as the Bolshoi and Mariinsky. The company is known for its lavish productions of timeless works like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty, incorporating elaborate sets, stunning costumes, and world-class choreography.
Though the name Great Russian Ballet is sometimes used broadly, there are multiple companies that tour under similar branding, capitalizing on Russia’s rich ballet heritage. These productions often appeal to both seasoned ballet enthusiasts and newcomers, emphasizing the grandeur and technical excellence that Russian ballet is known for.
Giselle is one of the most beloved classical ballets, first performed in 1841 in Paris. It tells the tragic yet beautiful story of a young peasant girl, Giselle, who falls in love with a nobleman, Albrecht, who is disguised as a commoner. When she discovers he is engaged to another, her heart breaks, and she dies of grief. In the ballet’s haunting second act, Giselle joins the Wilis, spirits of betrayed women who rise from their graves at night to force men to dance to their deaths. However, Giselle’s love for Albrecht transcends death, and she ultimately saves him from the Wilis' revenge.
The Great Russian Ballet often presents Giselle with its signature grand sets, exquisite costumes, and emotionally expressive performances. The ballet is celebrated for its demanding technique, especially the role of Giselle, which requires a dancer to transition from lively, joyful movements in Act I to ethereal, ghostly grace in Act II.
