Canyon Concert Ballet Unveils a Bold Reimagining of Giselle in 2025 Premiere
Fort Collins, CO – Canyon Concert Ballet is proud to announce the premiere of a groundbreaking new interpretation of Giselle, choreographed by Artistic Director Michael Pappalardo. Opening the company’s 2025 season, this reimagined classic breathes new emotional and psychological depth into one of ballet’s most iconic works.
"Giselle has always fascinated me," says Pappalardo. “It’s one of the few ballets in the classical canon that weaves together romance, tragedy, and the supernatural with such emotional precision. What drew me to revisit it now was the opportunity to explore the psychological undercurrents of the story in a way that feels more immediate and human.”
Pappalardo’s Giselle honors the original’s romantic roots while offering a fresh perspective on its central characters. The relationship between Giselle and Albrecht is portrayed with greater nuance—Albrecht, often viewed as simply deceptive, is here a man torn between duty and genuine love. Giselle, in turn, emerges as a woman of deep emotional intelligence and strength, making the final act a powerful meditation on grace and forgiveness.
Audiences can expect rich symbolism layered throughout the production, including the subtle but powerful use of daisies. These flowers appear at key emotional moments—given to Giselle, her mother, Albrecht, and Bathilde—as tokens of innocence, trust, and sometimes bitter irony. “They serve as quiet but resonant markers of loyalty, hope, and loss,” says Pappalardo.
At its core, this Giselle challenges the boundaries of classical ballet and invites audiences into a story that feels achingly relevant today. “I hope audiences walk away not just moved by the beauty of the work,” Pappalardo adds, “but reminded that even in heartbreak, compassion is a radical, powerful choice.”
Canyon Concert Ballet’s Giselle promises to be a highlight of the 2025 performing arts season—a bold, emotionally resonant production that redefines a beloved classic for a new generation.
