Mobile Ballet 2019-20 Season Opens with Katia Garza’s Final Principal Role in Giselle

Mobile Ballet brings the treasured masterwork considered the world’s first true ballet to the stage this month – with Giselle. Considered a legend since its debut in 1841, Giselle is the origin of the term “the willies” as well as the classical ballerina white tutu, and marks an additionally emotional milestone in the 25-year career of Artistic Director Katia Garza. Dancing the part of Giselle, this will be her final principal role in a full-length classical ballet.

Giselle is the story of mad love that turns to madness… and ultimately forgiveness. A peasant girl who dies of a broken heart on discovery her lover Albrecht is betrothed to another, Giselle is transformed to a “wili” – the ghostly spirits of dead girls jilted on their wedding day (ever wonder where we get the phrase “that gives me the willies?”). These virgin spirits lure young men to their death in revenge by drowning or dancing until they fall off a rocky cliff. Giselle haunts the forest with the wilis, but inevitably saves her true love’s life.

Mobile’s celebrated scribe Eugene Walter described the story in program notes from its 1991 performance: “One could easily utilize the ballet Giselle and its history as the cornerstone… for an encyclopedia of the so-called Romantic movement and upheavals in western culture occurring in the 19th century. It has all the interests of the day… a folk celebration with country dances, the world of peasants and woodsmen, a nobleman in disguise, and a sensitive heroine betrayed and driven to madness and death.”

Garza is joined by ballet master Israel Rodriguez and guest artists Paul Branco and Raul Peinado. Considered “the Hamlet” of theatrical ballet, Giselle is a powerful production with a lasting legacy. Don’t miss this spectacular beginning to Mobile Ballet’s season!

Giselle

Saturday, October 26th at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 27th at 2:30 p.m.

Mobile Civic Center Theater