Adam: Giselle (The Royal Ballet)

Giselle remains one of the most popular Romantic ballets of all time. The story brings together an engaging mix of human passions, supernatural forces, and the transcendent power of self-sacrificing love. The production by Sir Peter Wright catches the atmosphere of this great Romantic ballet, especially in the perfection of its White Act, with ghostly maidens drifting through the forest in spectacular patterns -- one of the most famous of any scenes for the corps de ballet. Giselle dances with lightness and fragility, giving the impression of floating through the mist.

This is one of The Royal Ballet's most loved and admired productions, faithful to the spirit of the 1841 original yet always fresh at each revival. This performance features former Bolshoi star and now Royal Ballet principal Natalia Osipova in a breath-taking interpretation of the title role.

Giselle: Natalia Osipova
Albrecht: Carlos Acosta

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

Choreography Marius Petipa after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
Conductor Boris Gruzin

Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, January 2014

Catalogue numbers: OA1144D (DVD) / OABD7151D (BLU-RAY)

Release Date - September 2014

More information here:

DVD and Blu-Ray available now:

[juliarapoport]

1:20 i’m obsessed on how the fabric of her dress just swirls it’s so gorgeous and adds some sort of aspect to the entire dance

[nathanielcraig]

Those FEET, I am astounded by how strong her feet have to be to wear such soft shoes, it gives her such a light and airy quality too!

[kabardinka]

One thing I especially love in her performance is a slight element of hysteria. She's not just in love... she's crazy in love. And it sets up what happens in a few minutes just perfectly. As incredible a technician Osipova is, I don't think she gets enough credit for being the best actor in ballet.

[KaLa_]

1:57 everytime I see professional ballerinas do this step, my mouth literally falls open
I was just watching another ballerina do this dance and the energy change is so drastic between these two performances. I love that this one shows Giselle's happiness and excitement so well.

This is not meant to devalue the performances of other ballerinas or say anyone who doesn't do this as fast or energetically is bad. I am just so impressed by this performance and this part.

[serendipiity_]

The turn sequence at the end is just absolutely phenomenal! She's so graceful. When she jumps and leaps it's like she's weightless and her turns are exquisite; she makes ballet look the way it should look: effortless.

[timecrayon]

No matter how many ballet clips I watch, I always come back to this one. Absolutely stunning.

[mackiereyes]

Those pirouettes are insanely fast! Impressive!

[captainjacksparrow]

1:38 this step is really hurting her feet but she still manages to smile for the audience it's just incredible

[shimerrblx]

Let's be honest, this isn't your first time here.

[skelebro]

1:38 me getting into drama that has nothing to do with me

[ashleyrose]

I can't even walk across a room without tripping over my own feet

[kyleheaser]

If only I had worked harder, I could've been standing in the back holding a stuffed falcon.

[hufoofa]

the way the fabric of her skirt flares so softly and elegantly through the air is literally moving me to tears. wonderful cinematic production . so much respect for live performers. people really don't understand just how many times they must have to rehearse to perfect their roles. much respect to all dancers and actors.

[mimo-xckt]

She's so graceful! Everytime she jumps, it looked like she's weightless and her soul is free. She dances gracefully and effortlessly. My respect to ballet dancers📈📈📈📈

[julietterocha]

Did you see how soft her pointe shoes were?!? I honestly hope her feet were okay cause jeez!!!😬😱

[didinos]

1:19 WOW. I loVe The way the fabric of her skirt flows and the way it shows the movement, it’s amazing!

1:56 too, WOW?

[HeyItsSolar.]

1:37 me when I hit my little toe of my foot to a table.

[afreen]

Ballet is seriously no joke. Years of immense hardwork is what we just saw

[clairedellapenna]

it’s almost like natalia osipova is the best character for any role she’s put to, in my opinion she’s the best giselle, best kitri, etc, her acting is what sets her aside from any other prima of her generation. There’s no one that can ever live up to her she’s truly created history as one of the best ballerinas to have ever existed

[mountainvero]

Those piqués turns are utterly unbelievable. I've seen this production endless times since I have it on DVD, and I've followed Osipova's career for years, and I'm still amazed by her wonderful footwork and stage presence.