October 17-19, 2025
A tragic story of love, betrayal, and forgiveness
Since Giselle opened in Paris in 1841, its poignant themes of betrayal and mercy have been captivating audiences worldwide. With music by Adolphe Adam and choreography based on Petipa’s late-19th-century revivals, Giselle has become the epitome of Romantic-era ballet.
Pull back the veil between the living and the dead with us on October 17-19 for a bittersweet love story you won’t soon forget.
The Story
Giselle opens in a German village, where the peasant girl Giselle meets with her sweetheart, Albrecht. She believes that he is another peasant, but Albrecht is secretly a nobleman taking a brief escape from his responsibilities. Despite this subterfuge, Albrecht is madly in love with Giselle.
Giselle loves nothing more than to dance, but her mother cautions her that her heart is too weak. When a jealous peasant boy, Hilarion, reveals that Albrecht is a nobleman and is betrothed to someone else, Giselle goes mad. Her heart fails her, and she dies tragically.
In Act II, her heartbreak extends into the afterlife: a sisterhood of vindictive spirits, called wilis, awakens Giselle from her grave. Because the wilis all died of broken hearts, they now seek revenge by capturing men and forcing them to dance to their deaths. When Albrecht comes to lay flowers at Giselle's grave, she must decide whether to punish the man who broke her heart or protect him from the wilis' wrath.
Contrasting the joy of rustic peasant dances with the malevolence of the wilis’ revenge, this haunting ballet is a perfect companion to your Halloween season. Experience the joys of first love and the tragedy of its loss in Giselle this October!
Purchase Tickets
Where
Maryland Hall
801 Chase St, Annapolis, MD 21401
Tickets for performances by the Ballet Theatre of Maryland are only sold through Eventbrite. Purchasing tickets from any other seller or website runs the risk of receiving fraudulent tickets or paying inflated prices. Tickets purchased through unauthorized third parties may not be valid and may be unusable for admittance. The Ballet Theatre of Maryland is not responsible for any lost or stolen third-party tickets. Help us serve you in the best manner by purchasing your tickets here at www.BalletMaryland.org or by phone at (410) 224-5644.
Know before you go!
Maryland Hall, our mainstage performance venue, is undergoing renovations to replace the HVAC system and install new floor and ceiling tiles. Performances will continue as scheduled, but there may be temporary changes to parking, bathrooms, and how to access the theater.
Check your email before the show for up-to-date information on this exciting change at Maryland Hall!
From our Audience
"BTM captured the authentic feeling of young love, festive dancing, and haunting beauty in its [production] of Giselle." (2021)
"One of the best shows I've ever seen BTM perform!" (2021)
Get to know the history of Giselle
Lead Casting
