Texas Ballet Theater Premieres Centuries-Old ‘Giselle'

Ben Stevenson's Giselle - October 21 - 23 at Bass Performance Hall

North Texas audiences will get to see a centuries-old ballet for the first time next weekend. Texas Ballet Theater is presenting the premiere of Giselle, a love story with many twists and turns.

Carolyn Judson will be taking her dream from the studio to the stage, as she dances the title role of "Giselle." The ballet is a love story of her romance with Albrecht, played by Carl Coomer.

"It's something you dream about when you're a little girl, to be the ballerina," said Judson. "Recently, there's been this new, young man in the village that she's sort of fallen in love with."

But later, Giselle's heart is broken, she meets an untimely death, and must come back as a spirit just to dance again with Albrecht.

"I'm dancing to my death, and it's quite easy to act that because I'm pretty dead by the end of it. I'm pretty exhausted," said Coomer.

Artistic director Ben Stevenson is bringing to North Texas one of the oldest ballets still performed today.

"In those old ballets, it was very sort of like the silent movies, you know, so we try and bring the feelings more natural and more up to date," said Stevenson.

But elaborate costumes will still take the audience back in time. White, tulle skirts will fill the spirit world of act two, and ornate costumes will dress up the royal court.

Giselle opens Friday, with evening and matinee performances through Sunday at Bass Hall in Fort Worth. NBC 5 is a sponsor.

More: Texas Ballet Theater

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