By S.T. Boyer
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
[Originally published 03/14/2008]
When it comes to ballet, there are many sacred traditions. “Giselle” is one of them.
The Fort Wayne Ballet ends its 51st season with a performance of this beloved, time-honored ballet this weekend at the Arts United Center.
According to the ballet's sources, “Giselle” premiered in 1842 and quickly became a ballet standard. The romantic themes include a love triangle, madness and the supernatural.
“The core work of ‘Giselle' makes or breaks a (ballet) company's reputation,” said Karen Gibbons-Brown, the ballet's executive and artistic director. She explained that because the ballet is handed down from one generation to another, much is expected of the dancers. The performance is highly demanding.
Assisting the company will be guest teacher Jeremy Blanton, a Broadway and ballet professional who has worked closely with the ballet in several performances.
Blanton is confident the ballet can live up to the high expectations presented in “Giselle.”
“Fort Wayne doesn't realize what it has in its own backyard,” Blanton said. “This is one of the best ballet schools.”
The ballet's very own Lucia Rogers will play Giselle, a peasant girl torn between two beaus. Rogers, who has been dancing since age 3, came to the ballet first as a student, and now teaches classes.
“There's just so much to the part,” Rogers said. “I couldn't ask for much more.”
One challenge is the contrast. The first act is set in a tranquil village, and the second act is set in an eerie woods controlled by the supernatural Willis — the spirits of young women who died before their wedding days.
Rogers said even though the strong traditions of “Giselle” don't leave much room for spontaneous interpretations, she has learned a lot about developing the character through many rehearsals. “I've really had a lot of fun with it.”
The story is bittersweet because it is a tale of lost love and heartache, Gibbons-Brown said, but it also shows that love really does conquer all, including death.
Gibbons-Brown said one of the best features of the local performance is the collaboration with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. The philharmonic will play under the direction of conductor Bradley Thachuk for all three performances this weekend.
Gibbons-Brown thinks the live orchestra will be something the audiences will appreciate. She believes they also will appreciate the quality, style and technique of the production.
“‘Giselle' is so timeless,” Gibbons-Brown said. “All of these themes are still relevant today.”
Performances
What: The Fort Wayne Ballet presents “Giselle,” accompanied by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
When: 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St.
Cost: $25 adults, $20 ages 11-17, $20 ages 60 and older, $15 ages 3-10. Call the ballet for tickets at 484-9646.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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