Giselle

Few works in the ballet canon rival the ethereal beauty of Giselle, the quintessential Romantic ballet that has captivated audiences for nearly two centuries. This iconic production tells the heartbreaking story of a young peasant girl whose love is betrayed, her death, and her transcendent act of forgiveness in the spirit world — a narrative that has moved generations to tears and wonder. With choreography rooted in the 1841 original and a score by Adolphe Adam that soars with longing and lyricism, Giselle remains the ultimate showcase for the world's most gifted ballerinas and companies. Performed across prestigious venues including the legendary Teatro alla Scala in Milan — one of the most celebrated opera houses on earth — as well as the Kravis Center's Dreyfoos Concert Hall and Houston's magnificent Wortham Theater Center, this production promises breathtaking artistry at every turn. Audiences can anticipate luminous performances from elite ensembles including the Houston Ballet, whose renditions of Giselle are renowned for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. Multiple performances spanning May and June 2026 offer ample opportunity to witness this masterpiece in person. Whether you are a lifelong devotee of classical ballet or experiencing Giselle for the first time, the combination of sublime dancing, sumptuous costumes, and evocative orchestral music creates an unforgettable evening. The second act in particular — set among moonlit graves and inhabited by the ghostly Wilis — is widely considered one of the most hauntingly beautiful sequences in all of performing arts. Come prepared to be transported.