Review: Giselle ballet performed at Norwich Theatre Royal

It was a traditional production of the famous ballet, which brought together stylish staging, a fantastic orchestra and beautiful choreography. 

Giselle tells the story of a peasant girl who has a passion for dancing. She falls in love with a Duke visiting her village in disguise.

Although the pair declare their love for one another, the Duke is already engaged to another woman. 

When Giselle discovers his betrayal, the shock becomes too much and she goes crazy. In her madness she kills herself. 

The staging, dancing and music created a stunning performance of Giselle (Image: Norwich Theatre Royal)

The second act opens with an enchanting solo by the Queen of the Wilis - spirits of betrothed girls who have died before their wedding day. 

Local superstition says that any man who crosses their path is doomed to dance until he dies.

The act centres on the Wilis using their power to drive the Duke to dance to his death and Giselle's - who has joined their ranks - efforts to protect him.

Throughout the performance, the dancers' movement was graceful and effortless - telling the story through their expressions so that even those new to the ballet could understand the narrative.

The Varna International Ballet was founded in 1947 in Bulgaria and the company is currently under the artistic director Daniela Dimova. 

Its highly skilled dancers are from countries across Europe, including Britain, France, Ukraine, Spain and Italy. 

They were accompanied by an equally talented orchestra, led by music director Stefan Boyadzhiev.

Overall, the different elements worked together seamlessly to create a performance that shows why this ballet has remained popular since its first production in 1841.