ReviewThe National Ballet of China return to Hong Kong with a dazzling Giselle
Led by prima ballerina Qiu Yunting, whose dancing was exquisite, this purists’ version of Giselle was only marred by the recorded music
The National Ballet of China (NBC) made a welcome return to Hong Kong this month with performances of Giselle and Chinese New Year, the company’s adaptation of The Nutcracker.
In Giselle, an excellent cast was headed by prima ballerina Qiu Yunting in a luminous interpretation of the title role. When the company last performed the ballet here in 2017, Qiu made a striking impression as a young soloist dancing the evil Myrthe, Queen of the Wilis. Now, nine years later, she has matured into a world-class artist and it was a privilege to watch her.
Giselle is the ballet lovers’ ballet. Created in Paris in 1841 by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, and revived in 1884 by the great Marius Petipa, this masterpiece of the Romantic school has survived the test of time due to the emotional power of its story, Adolphe Adam’s score with its infinitely danceable music and clear motifs for different characters, and its unforgettable choreography.