Royal or Rebel -Comparative essay on two versions of one a theatre performance portrayed by two different styles of dance.

Essay by MithrasHigh School, 11th grade October 2005

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Giselle is represented by two different ballet companies, in different eras by different choreographers. The romantic version was danced by the Australian Ballet and choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. It was choreographed and set in the early 1800's but performed in 1841, then later rechoreographed by Marius Petipa. The modern (contemporary) version of Giselle was choreographed by Matt Eks in the 1980's; however set in the 1920's, and danced by the Cullberg Ballet. In this version the storyline slightly differed from the romantic version and gave the male dancers a more prominent role. In both versions the movement and non-movement components differ to create a varied storyline. This assessment item involves comparing the similarities and differences of important aspects in both versions. These aspects will be discussed in the following order: costumes, props, sets and lights; music; number of dancers; storyline; dancers and movements.

In the romantic version, the main character Giselle wears a brown bodice with cream puffy sleeves, a lemon yellow knee length gauze skirt, white ballet stockings and white point shoes.

For the contemporary version she is clothed in a pink gauze skirt, fitted purple 'skivvy', length white tights, a black beret with a blue flower and bare feet.

In regards to the style of clothing, her costumes in both versions are very similar with a difference in colour and the absence of shoes in the contemporary.

Albrecht who is royalty, but in love with the peasant girl Giselle, is dressed in a long-sleeved white dress shirt with baggy sleeves and brown doublet, full-length brown tights and black light leather shoes for the romantic version. In the contemporary, Albrecht wears a long sleeved white dress shirt with cream full-length pants, a brown vest and once again, light leather shoes.

Again, the difference is mainly...