To celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend, Ballet Arizona will present the thrilling love story of Giselle, one of the most beloved and romantic ballets of all time, Feb. 9-12, 2023, at The Madison Center for the Arts.

This ghost-filled, haunting masterpiece tells the tragic yet passionate tale of a young woman who dies of a broken heart. The ballet is famous for the Wilis, maiden spirits who take revenge on the young nobleman that betrayed Giselle.

Choreographed by Artistic Director Ib Andersen, after the original choreographers, Jean Corallie and Jules Perrot, Giselle is an enrapturing work of art that draws audiences in with themes of enduring love, tragedy, betrayal and romance.

“The tale of Giselle is one of the best told stories of enduring everlasting love,” said Andersen. “From a vividly dramatic introduction to a hauntingly beautiful ending, this tragic love story will surely fill your hearts with romance for your Valentine’s Day celebrations.”

Audiences will also have the opportunity to engage in discussions with the professional dancers and other guest artists before or after the show with pre- and post-show chats. Giselle pre-show chats will occur Feb. 9 at 6:15 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 6:45 p.m. A post-show chat will occur on Feb. 11 immediately after the matinee performance.

In addition to the pre- and post-show chats, Ballet Arizona invites you to attend an intimate rehearsal viewing of Giselle on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. at its Studio Spotlight performance. Step inside Ballet Arizona’s Dorrance studio theater for a behind-the-scenes look at this upcoming production. This performance will also feature an educational lecture on the history of Giselle and its importance in ballet by the famous writer and former chief dance critic, Alastair Macauley.

Ballet Arizona’s opening night series sponsors are F. Francis and Dionne Najafi of Pivotal Foundation. Giselle is also sponsored in part by SRP and Ballet Arizona’s season sponsors, Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Single tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at https://balletaz.org/performance/giselle-2023/ or by calling the Ballet Arizona box office at 602-381-1096. Tickets to the Studio Spotlight performance can also be purchased at https://balletaz.org/performance/studio-spotlight-2022-2023/.

Ballet Arizona is dedicated to preserving and celebrating classical dance while creating new and innovative works. Under the artistic direction of internationally acclaimed choreographer Ib Andersen – a former Principal Dancer with The New York City Ballet and The Royal Danish Ballet – Ballet Arizona follows his lead to the future of dance in Arizona. The School of Ballet Arizona promotes access to the art form of ballet through dance education, with a focus on excellence in the form, directing each student to a life-long love of dance. Following this vision, Ballet Arizona connects to more than 35,000 children and families every year through its free and low-cost outreach programs. For more information, visit http://www.balletaz.org.