The ballet, Giselle, is on a par with Hamlet in terms of its historical importance. Audiences go to see it time and again just for the opportunity of viewing the interpretation of the role by different ballet dancers. They comment that each time it is different and they see something new.[youtube:GK5c9B0RkGo?version=3;[link:Giselle Cosmetics];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK5c9B0RkGo?version=3&feature=related]

A unique take on the love triangle, the ballet is about a young, beautiful peasant girl who dies of a broken heart after learning that the wealthy nobleman, Albrecht, with whom she has fallen head over heels in love, is actually engaged to marry someone else. Hilarion, a gamekeeper who is in love with Giselle, is found agonizing at her grave by a band of ghosts. These are the spirits of young women who sadly died before their wedding days. They come out of their graves at night to seek out men whom they the torture to death.

It was the practice of the Wili to use their abundant beauty to attract vulnerable young men and force them to dance until they died of exhaustion. Hilarion, they pursued and then threw him to his death in a lake. Albrecht, to whom the band of bitter spirits turn their attention after disposing of Hilarion, fares somewhat better. The spirit of the peasant girl is summoned from her grave. She protects him from the Wili until daybreak, when they go back to their graves to rest until night falls again. Giselle forgives her lover and goes back to her grave where she may now rest peacefully for eternity.

The ballet was first staged in Paris in June, 1841. The following year, it appeared in London in March of 1842. It was later presented in Russia, Italy and in America.

The role is a coveted one for young ballerinas. It requires grace and acting skills and is also demanding technically. Dramatist Theophile Gautier wrote it especially for his girlfriend, Carlotta Grisi. It has since been portrayed by Anna Pavlova, Svetlana Zakharova, Alicia Markova and many other accomplished ballet dancers.

It was Henrich Heine’ tale of the Wilis that inspired Gautier, who imagined it as a ballet. He worked with the composer, Adolphe Adam and Jules Perot, choreographer.

You can find details about the advantages of wearing false Giselle lashes and more information about the Giselle Cosmetics line on our website, today.