The story is based on the legend about the Wilis – maidens who had died because of being deceived by their lovers and kept a dangerous grudge against all the male mortals. Dressed in bridal gowns, the Wilis compel the wayfarers to join in their giddy whirling movements until they die from exhaustion. French writer Théophile Gautier was inspired by Heinrich Heine’s story and, within days, together with Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges created the plot. Adolphe Adam wrote the music in three weeks. The experienced Jean Coralli and the young Jules Perrot were chosen to design the choreography.

Soon after the premiere at the Paris Grand Opéra on 28 June 1841, Giselle was recognized as a remarkable achievement of ballet art. The unique balance of storyline and choreography determined success of the ballet, primarily in Russia. In 1850s in Saint Petersburg the ballet was further improved by Jules Perrot. However, the final choreographic version belongs to Marius Petipa, who, with respect to the romantic ballet style, polished it masterly and became the third choreographer of Giselle.

Carlotta Grisi became the first to dance Giselle, followed by outstanding Russian ballerinas, such as Tamara Karsavina, Anna Pavlova, Olga Spessivtseva, Galina Ulanova, Natalia Bessmertnova and Altynai Asylmuratova...

The plot of Giselle is clear and compact: two acts – the real and fantastic worlds -symbolize the opposition of dreams and severe reality.

The main treasure of Giselle is in its choreography that features arabesque – one of the most beautiful forms of classical dance. The choreographic beauty of the Wilis fascinates the audience forever. Time, fashion and tastes change, however, Giselle’s success is eternal.

The story is based on the legend about the Wilis – maidens who had died because of being deceived by their lovers and kept a dangerous grudge against all the male mortals. Dressed in bridal gowns, the Wilis compel the wayfarers to join in their giddy whirling movements until they die from exhaustion. French writer Théophile Gautier was inspired by Heinrich Heine’s story and, within days, together with Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges created the plot. Adolphe Adam wrote the music in three weeks. The experienced Jean Coralli and the young Jules Perrot were chosen to design the choreography.

Soon after the premiere at the Paris Grand Opéra on 28 June 1841, Giselle was recognized as a remarkable achievement of ballet art. The unique balance of storyline and choreography determined success of the ballet, primarily in Russia. In 1850s in Saint Petersburg the ballet was further improved by Jules Perrot. However, the final choreographic version belongs to Marius Petipa, who, with respect to the romantic ballet style, polished it masterly and became the third choreographer of Giselle.

Carlotta Grisi became the first to dance Giselle, followed by outstanding Russian ballerinas, such as Tamara Karsavina, Anna Pavlova, Olga Spessivtseva, Galina Ulanova, Natalia Bessmertnova and Altynai Asylmuratova...

The plot of Giselle is clear and compact: two acts – the real and fantastic worlds -symbolize the opposition of dreams and severe reality.

The main treasure of Giselle is in its choreography that features arabesque – one of the most beautiful forms of classical dance. The choreographic beauty of the Wilis fascinates the audience forever. Time, fashion and tastes change, however, Giselle’s success is eternal.

The Main Hall of the Astana Opera House will host the opening of the annual Theatre Festival “NUR-SULTAN THEATRE WEEK”, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The organizer of the festival is the Akimat of Nur-Sultan city.

Festival participants: Kuanyshbayev Kazakh State Academic Music and Drama Theatre, M. Gorky State Academic Russian Drama Theatre, Zhastar Theatre, Astana Ballet Theatre, Ye. Rakhmadiyev State Academic Philharmonic, Musical Theatre for Young Spectators and Nomad City Hall Theatre named after Azerbaijan Mambetov. A special guest of the festival is the Moscow Sovremennik Theatre.

The rich festival programme features theatrical performances from the golden fund of the capital's theatres, open workshops from the best theatrical figures of Kazakhstan: direction, acting techniques, scenic speech, scenic movement, performance training, etc., as well as art exhibitions and creative concerts of the capital artists.

The opening ceremony of the Theatre Festival “NUR-SULTAN THEATRE WEEK” will take place on the stage of the State Opera and Ballet Theatre “Astana Opera” before the performance of the opera Kyz Zhibek by Ye. Brusilovsky.