By: Kedibone Modise and Tsholofelo Gaanakgomo
An old cottage, tall oak trees, classical music and the 18th century attires brought the story of Giselle to life. The audience waited in anticipation as the dancers started to fill up the stage to showcase their amazing talents.
Giselle is a beautiful love story that unfolds dramatically through music and ballet dancing.
It all started when a peasant girl named Giselle, fell in love with a young man named Albrecht.
Albrecht hid his true identity, which was later uncovered and the secret left Giselle distraught.
Not only did Albrecht lie about true his identity, he is in fact a Duke and he is also engaged to a Duchess.
The pain and shock was too much to bear as Giselle went insane and died from a broken heart.
As the dancers pirouette the stage, the audience were left in awe as they continued to applaud the amazing show-piece.
After the 15 minutes interval, the ambiance became a bit intense.
The tall trees, heavy smoke, a tomb stone, and the classical music in the background transformed the stage into a real grave-yard by the lakeside.
As Giselle, the ghost began to dance, the willis(a group of ghost girls who died before their wedding day), also joined in the dance.
They were all dressed in short, white wedding gowns with pale faces that reflect real ghosts.
Albrecht came to visit Giselle's grave and, he was supposed to be driven to his death in the lake but Giselle saved him, out of the deep love they shared.
At the end of the performance, Iain MacDonald, Joburg Ballet's artistic director, presented two Marigold Hutton Awards in honour of the two recipients, Jonathan Hurwitz and Thabang Mabaso for their outstanding contribution to the organisation.
Giselle is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, and the show will be at Joburg Theatre from April 8 to 17.
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