Ballet Manila Moments: In love with Giselle

Since 1995, Ballet Manila has been creating unforgettable performances on stage. As the acclaimed storytellers on toes, they have breathed life to an amazing range of classical and contemporary fare. The Ballet Manila Archives celebrates some of those moments from the company’s first 25 years through this series.

Love beyond the grave may sound like the most romantic notion one can imagine. But in the ballet Giselle, this idea of undying love is treated with a twist. Turned into a wili (a vengeful spirit who dies from a broken heart) because of Albrecht’s unfaithfulness, Giselle has the opportunity to avenge herself. Instead, she chooses to protect him and honor the love they once shared.

In this clip, principal dancers Joan Emery Sia and Elpidio Magat Jr. are Giselle and Albrecht in Ballet Manila’s 2019 production of Giselle held at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.