What You'll Learn
- The specific traditional gestures for love, dancing, and marriage.
- The dramatic storytelling of Mother Berthe's warning about the Wilis.
- How to convey the character of Giselle through expressive port de bras.
- The narrative significance of Albrecht's exhaustion and the Queen's power.
- Techniques to integrate pantomime seamlessly into your classical performance.
About This Video
Step into the enchanting and tragic world of Romantic ballet with this deep dive into the narrative soul of Giselle. At Broche Ballet, we believe that technique is only half the battle; true artistry comes from the ability to tell a story through movement. This session focuses on the specialized sign language of ballet—pantomime—specifically exploring the relationship between Giselle and Albrecht and the chilling prophecy delivered by her mother, Berthe.
In the first half of the lesson, we explore the innocent love story. You will learn the traditional gestures for love, marriage, and dancing that define the opening act. We look at the flower sequence showing how simple movements can convey deep emotion.
Understanding these gestures is essential for any dancer looking to perform character roles or simply to deepen their connection to classical repertoire. We then transition to the darker side of the story: Mother Berthe's warning. This scene is a masterclass in dramatic pantomime.
As she warns Giselle of the Wilis—the ghostly spirits of maidens who died before their wedding day—you will learn to use your eyes, breath, and port de bras to create a sense of impending doom. We break down the specific sequence where she describes the Wilis rising from their graves, wearing their veils, and dancing men to death. Mastery of this scene requires a balance of sharp, clear gestures and an eerie, atmospheric presence.
Finally, the class touches upon the tragic climax of the ballet. We discuss the role of the Queen of the Wilis, Myrtha, and the exhaustion of Albrecht as he is forced to dance until his heart stops. By understanding the narrative weight of technical feats like the famous 32 entrechats, you can bring a new level of intention to your barre and center work.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, mastering pantomime will transform your dancing from a series of steps into a powerful piece of theater.
