Giselle is pretty much the oldest ballet in the repertoire. First seen in 1841, it set the template for the artform: a broken-hearted love story which dives into the supernatural. Sharp storytelling, dreamy dance. Ballet as we know it starts here.
The venerable classic visits London with a youngish company. The National Ballet of Japan, not yet 30 years old, takes the Royal Opera House summer slot formerly held by Russia’s great companies. NBJ may not have the heft of the Bolshoi – but, directed by Miyako Yoshida, formerly a beloved Royal Ballet star, their Giselle is beautifully danced and feelingly dramatic. And on opening night, the heroine was stunningly performed by Yui Yonezawa.
