In classical ballet, Giselle best captures the essence of love that transcends death. The theme is underscored in Act 2 which is set in the graveyard where Giselle – who has passed away after her lover Albrecht’s betrayal – joins kindred spirits known as the wilis.

It’s a hauntingly beautiful sight when the ladies in white flit about and move in unison as fog blankets the ground. But things also turn ominous as the wilis, commanded by their queen, Myrtha, exact their vengeance – first on the gamekeeper Hilarion, and then on Count Albrecht. 

Driven by pure love, Giselle pleads on the latter’s behalf when he is made to dance beyond his limits. The pair engages in an ethereal pas de deux. In the end, having survived the night because of Giselle’s intercession, the grief-stricken Albrecht repentantly mourns at her tomb. 

From the years that Ballet Manila has been staging Giselle since 1999, here are a few select photographs.