In 2009, Rachel Beaujean and Ricardo Bustamante created their own new version of perhaps the most romantic production in the classical ballet repertoire. With success, as their Giselle not only captured the hearts of Dutch audiences, but also those of spectators in Spain, China and Colombia, among others. Beaujean: ‘Delivered the right way, Giselle touches the heart.’

From all times and cultures
Giselle's theme of impossible love is of all times and cultures. The protagonist, Giselle, thinks she has found her true love in Albrecht, but he is not who she thinks he is and besides, he is already engaged to someone else. Albrecht's love for Giselle has fateful consequences, but even after her death, Giselle is still capable of love and forgiveness.

Ethereal beauty
Together with former ballet star Ricardo Bustamante, Beaujean breathed new life into Giselle, making the ballet fascinating and moving even in this day and age. Nevertheless, respect for tradition is paramount in their adaptation, as is Toer van Schayk's beautiful set and costume designs. Beaujean: 'Giselle has no shelf life, the choreographic composition remains phenomenal.' Bustamante: 'The second act is of such ethereal beauty that even people who have never seen a ballet before can become completely hypnotized by it.'
 

‘Giselle is like our Nachtwacht.’