HQ Review: Saint Louis Ballet presents GISELLE

Described as a young woman who “has a weak heart,” the character Giselle, performed by Julia Heiss, is anything but weak. Emotionally dynamic and physically daring are perhaps more fitting terms to describe Heiss’ portrayal of this storied character. Restaging a ballet that first debuted in 1841, and has gone on to be performed in countless productions across the world is no small feat. And Saint Louis Ballet, directed by Gen Horiuchi, captures this narrative with honest nods towards previous source material, while evoking the drama of its storyline with clarity and some originality.