The ballet that was first performed at the Paris Opera Ballet in 1832 has enchanted audiences for more than 175 years - and will be enchanting Detroit audiences in March - as it takes the stage at the magnificent Detroit Opera House. The Michigan Opera Theatre orchestra will be performing, conducted by Joffrey Principal Conductor Dr. Leslie B. Dunner.

"We are so pleased to be able to present the Joffrey Ballet in their production of Giselle," says Michigan Opera Theatre General Director Dr. David DiChiera. "The production is stunningly beautiful, and the story is timeless."

Last performed at the Detroit Opera House in 1997, Giselle is an enduring ghost story and is one of the few ballets from the Romantic era which has survived. Performed in two acts, the ballet will be staged by legendary Ballet Russes dancer-turned choreographer/director Frederick Franklin C.B.E. Additionally, Giselle features breathtaking sets and costumes designed by Peter Farmer, with Adolph Adam's beautiful and haunting score brought to life by the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra.

The story of Giselle follows a young, innocent village maiden who falls in love with Loys, who is really the nobleman Albrecht disguised as a peasant. When she discovers that her deceitful lover is betrothed to another woman, she goes mad and dies of a broken heart. After her death, Giselle's everlasting devotion to Albrecht leads her ghost to save him from an evil tyrant. After saving his life, Giselle's ghost must return to the grave, but not before showing Albrecht that she forgives him for deceiving her. The two pledge their love to each other as she descends back into her grave, forever separated from her beloved.

A master class for intermediate to advanced level ballet dancers will be taught by the Joffrey Ballet on Saturday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m.

The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier ballet companies in the world today having performed in over 400 U. S. cities, in all 50 states and on several international tours. The company was the first American company to tour the former Soviet Union, and the first dance company to perform at the White House. The company also pioneered dance on television, inaugurating public television's "Dance in America" series. Together, founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino created a uniquely American company of dancers for whom they choreographed original and socially relevant ballets. One of the most recognized names in dance, The Joffrey Ballet is known around the world for its repertoire of historical ballets as well as ground-breaking contemporary works.

Performance dates are:

Friday, March 14, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.

The 2007-08 dance season at the Detroit Opera House is sponsored by the Chrysler Foundation with this production sponsored by Arts Midwest. -- www.motopera.org