The classic ballet with plenty of heart

When it comes to ballet, Giselle has it all.

There's romance, revenge, redemption, and even a well-known scene that has inspired a favourite schoolyard pastime.

The famous "he loves me, he loves me not" scene, where the fraught young protagonist plucks petals off a flower to mime her heartfelt musings, came from the first ever performance of the classic ballet.

Since the 1840's, Giselle has been delighting audiences all over the world. Now, it's New Zealand's turn, and the Royal New Zealand Ballet will be bringing the stunning show to Auckland for four nights only from 31 August to 3 September.

"It's the quintessential romantic ballet," says Royal New Zealand Ballet artistic director, Francesco Ventriglia. "Imagine long flowing tutus and pointe shoes. It's visually arresting and very classical."

Despite being involved with ballet productions for decades, he says there are some shows he never gets sick of.

"There's such a beauty in Giselle. I've been in ballet for 20 years and I never grow tired of seeing it onstage. I see something new every time."

And when it comes to favourite ballets, Francesco thinks a hearty dose of romance is key to getting audiences hooked.

"Often with classical ballets, there's a lot of promise of love," he says. "You see it in Swan Lake, and particularly in Giselle. It's all about the relationship between two young lovers."
While the audience is swept up in the romance, the long rehearsal process behind the scenes is more hard graft than lovey-dovey.

Practices run for about five weeks before the show hits the stage, and the dancers are working in the studio from 9.30am-6pm, Monday to Friday.

"It's hard work," Francesco says. "For the dancers, their instrument is their body, and they need to always be in shape."

During a performance-packed show season, the company's 35 dancers have to be particularly careful with their health.

"They have physio, and massages," says Francesco. "I tell them no drinking, and they need good, healthy food. After a show, it's a good idea for the dancers to have a long bath and an early night - at least that's what I suggest they do!"

Judging by the enthusiastic applause after each performance, the dance company's hard work certainly pays off, and audiences are coming back for more.

"I've been in New Zealand for almost two years," says Italian-born Francesco, "and I would say the public interest in ballet is definitely growing. New Zealanders are very keen on it."
These days, audiences aren't just devout dance fans who know the stories inside out. The theatres are filled with people of all ages, and there's everyone from cultural connoisseurs to curious first-timers.

"Whole families, young and old, come along to the shows," says Francesco. "Ballet is for everyone."

ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland, 31 August - 03 September. www.heartofthecity.co.nz

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