Having seen Irina Kolesnikova`s Giselle fairly recently in Northampton, I was expecting something good. This new dvd has surpassed all expectations.

Filmed in Pretoria, South Africa, last March, the production had the benefit of a magnificent stage and excellent acoustics to show the company and its orchestra off to its full potential. It always amazed me that this major company can tour such impressive sets, performing in each venue only two or three, or sometimes only one night.

In spite of this the lovely Kolesnikova shows no sign of fatigue, and her performances continue to dazzle audiences wherever she goes. This latest dvd show her at her best, vulnerable and delicate in Act One, ethereal and tragic in Act Two. She is young, so the close-ups of her expressive face show every emotion with conviction.

Her Albrecht, Dmitry Akulinin is handsome and elegant, the pair are well matched. It`s good to see a Hilarion (Dimchik Saykeev) young enough to be a suitor for Giselle`s hand, and Julia Petrova is a commanding Myrtha. This is a young company, and they dance and act this 19th century ballet with great enthusiasm coupled with feeling for the special atmosphere of the period.