One of the most beloved works in the classical repertoire, Giselle has captivated audiences since its 1841 debut in Paris. Today, it remains a cornerstone of ballet companies around the world, and this April, Wilmington audiences can experience its beauty, heartbreak, and haunting elegance live on stage.
Tickets are available now through The Grand’s Box Office.
First State Ballet Theatre is Delaware’s only professional ballet company and serves thousands of Delawareans each year through our performances, school, and outreach programs. FSBT’s performing…
A Romantic Ballet Masterpiece Comes to Wilmington
Often described as the quintessential Romantic ballet, Giselle unfolds in two dramatic acts that blend pastoral charm with supernatural intrigue.
Act I transports audiences to a lively Rhineland village, where the young peasant girl Giselle falls in love, unaware that betrayal lies ahead. After heartbreak leads to tragedy, Act II shifts to a moonlit forest inhabited by the Wilis, a ghostly sisterhood of spirits seeking vengeance. The iconic “white act,” featuring the corps de ballet sweeping across the stage in ethereal formations, remains one of the most breathtaking moments in classical dance. With shimmering white tutus and haunting choreography, this scene showcases the unity, musicality, and emotional depth of FSBT’s dancers.
A Production Rooted in Tradition
FSBT’s production stays true to the original 19th-century staging, with choreography after Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot, and Marius Petipa, and music by Adolphe Adam. The ballet is staged by Kristina and Pasha Kambalov, who bring both technical precision and expressive storytelling to this timeless work.
A Dramatic Finale to the 2025/26 Season
Giselle serves as the final performance of FSBT’s 2025/26 season at The Grand, a powerful close to a season exploring dreams, the otherworldly, and the expressive power of movement. For longtime ballet lovers and first-time attendees alike, this performance offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the oldest continually performed ballets in the world, right in the heart of Wilmington.
For those searching for things to do in Wilmington, Delaware this April — especially live performances and cultural events — Giselle offers a night (or afternoon) of artistry, music, and emotional storytelling in one of the city’s most historic venues. From the warmth of village dances to the haunting beauty of the moonlit second act, Giselle remains one of ballet’s most unforgettable experiences.
