American Ballet Theatre Makes Real the Ethereal Beauty of Giselle

Premiering in Paris in 1841 with choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, the Romantic Era ballet Giselle is “an enduring classic” (The New York Times), still captivating audiences today with its tragic, emotionally powerful love story. Giselle is a choreographic feat renowned for its haunting beauty and ethereal dance of the “Wilis”—spirits of maidens who were betrayed by their lovers and died before their wedding days (American Repertory Ballet). ABT has a long history with Giselle, staging it multiple times, including productions choreographed by the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov. Notably, ABT’s 2014 production of Giselle marked the grand opening of the newly renovated Northrop. Now, in its 18th visit to Northrop, ABT brings with it 85 years of exquisite artistry as one of the world’s premier dance companies. 

Supernumeraries, or “supers,” are supplementary non-dancing performers who enhance the liveliness of a production. ABT hires supers of all ages and experience levels for each show, welcoming both beginners and seasoned actors to audition. A super typically plays multiple roles within a production and gets to perform every night. For the April 18–19 Northrop performances, an open casting call for supers is scheduled for Wed, Apr 16, and male-presenting supers are especially needed! Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform alongside ABT onstage and witness the behind-the-scenes magic firsthand—register to audition! One ABT super raves, “Getting to know and be around such high-caliber dancers is truly inspiring. You see what being a dancer here is really like.” (Dance Spirit).

This spring, celebrate a defining moment in ballet as Gillian Murphy, American Ballet Theatre’s longest-standing dancer, performs the iconic title role in Giselle on Fri, Apr 18. With a career spanning 29 years, Murphy’s signature grace and strength have captivated audiences around the world. Her Northrop performance marks her final appearance in the Twin Cities—and her penultimate U.S. engagement before her farewell season. Murphy will take her final U.S. bow as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake at the Metropolitan Opera House on Fri, Jul 18. The Apr 18 performance will feature Principal Dancer Thomas Forster as Albrecht and Soloist Fangqi Li as Myrta.

As one celebrated chapter closes, a new one begins. On Sat, Apr 19, Principal Dancer Chloe Misseldine makes her highly anticipated debut as Giselle, joined by Principal Dancer Calvin Royal III as Albrecht and Soloist SunMi Park, also making her debut as Myrta. 

ABT’s Artist Director Susan Jaffe blends her expertise in ballet and passion for empowering others to create and engage with dance. With over 22 years of experience dancing for ABT, Jaffe has rich experience performing onstage and is known for her title roles in Giselle and Manon; the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker; Odette/Odilein Swan Lake, among others. Jaffe delved into character building for her dance roles, hiring dramaturgs and spending hours outside of her rehearsals to embody the characters. Honing her innate analytical skills, she has easily transitioned into her new position as an administrator and Artistic Director to guide dancers and the Company. Jaffe also strives to amplify diverse voices within ballet and develop a wide ranging audience. Hear more about Jaffe’s unique perspective and the history of ABT at the Performance Preview on Fri, Apr 18 in Northrop’s Best Buy Theater.

Immediately following the Sat, Apr 19 performance, raise a glass alongside the ABT dancers in celebration of the performing arts at Northrop’s annual fundraiser, Encore Gala: Spring Cocktail Party With American Ballet Theatre. Mingle with the artists of ABT under the glittering chandeliers in Northrop’s Memorial Hall lobby. Enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and live music, as well as a Wine Pull and photo opportunities. Proceeds from this event provide meaningful support for Northrop’s Dance Series and Centennial Commissions project, which helps fund the creation of new work. Giselle and Encore tickets are sold separately. Attend both to experience a must-see performance, get to know the artists, and help keep the arts alive!