Typical for a ballet of its time, nearly half of Giselle is made up of action and pantomime scenes. Artists were expected not only to be great classical dancers, but also accomplished mimes and actors. Here are some examples of mime gestures you will see in Giselle.
At the beginning of the ballet, the gamekeeper Hilarion imagines confronting the mysterious Albert. Hilarion is in love with Giselle, but she has chosen Albert. Through mime, Hilarion says, “You and she love each other and plan to marry. But me, I say this will never happen. I swear, she will be mine.”
Early in Act One, Giselle’s mother, Berthe, warns that Giselle may die young and become a Wili, a woman scorned before her wedding day, who is doomed to take revenge on men for eternity. During her warning, Berthe declares, “Listen well. Over there, over there, in the dark night… the earth opens up, and phantoms come out.”
Later, Giselle meets Bathilde, a friendly noblewoman. Bathilde and Giselle are fast friends, and Bathilde asks Giselle about her work, hobbies, and if she is engaged to be married. Later, it is revealed that Bathilde is actually engaged to Giselle’s sweetheart, Albert, who disguised himself as a peasant and fell in love with Giselle.
In Act II of Giselle, we finally meet the fearsome Wilis. Myrtha, the cold queen of the Wilis, leads the specters with regal authority. They trap Hilarion and, though he pleads for mercy, Myrtha commands that he must die.
The grief-stricken Albert visits Giselle’s grave with his faithful squire, Wilfride. Wilfride, knowing that these woods are dangerous, begs Albert to leave. He cries, “No, leave me to mourn she whom I loved so much and she whom I think of always.”
Soon, Myrtha discovers Albert hiding in the woods. Myrtha commands that he, too, must die. Giselle intervenes and begs Myrtha to spare Albert.
Through pantomime, the dancers share the timeless tale of Giselle! This romantic ballet gem (and its ghostly story) has been enchanting audiences for centuries. Thanks to the historical research of Doug Fullington and Marian Smith, Peter Boal’s restaging, and costumes and sets designed by Jérôme Kaplan, PNB audiences can enjoy this ballet in all its majesty!
