Arthur MitchellDance Theater of Harlem : Creole Giselle

This version of Giselle has been around for a while on VHS and I am very glad to see it now on DVD. It is an excellent performance by all involved and beautifully produced in Denmark. This is one of the few versions where you can actually see the peasant pas de deux in its entirety. The clarity of the DVD lets you see the facial expressions much better and the acting comes through better because of that. You might read my other reviews of other DTH DVDs to obtain more information about this and other DTH productions. If you are wondering if "Creole Giselle" is different in any way from the usual "Giselle", the answer is no, it is not. The only noticeable difference might be in the costumes, but it is only slight. I asked Eddie Shellman why Arthur Mitchell wanted to make a Creole Giselle rather than a standard version, and he said that he wanted to do it that way to gain more acceptance of this performance. In any event, you need not worry that this is some radical departure from the usual Giselle. The difference is not noticeable.

Many years ago I saw this production on video and was in awe of the grace and sensitivity of the performers.I love ballet, regarding it as a complete art form from the music and visual side to the absolute evolvement spiritually, mentally and physically to the performance. Ballet is one of the most difficult art forms to execute to its highest standard and here in this performance everything seems to gell together.There is grace and beauty, sensitive filming and beautiful dancing. The characters are all very believable in their parts and perform superble.I have many other versions of this ballet including a wonderful performance with Nureyev but this equals itin many ways and to a certain extent surpasses it by adding a slant to its production that makes it unique and very beautiful.I have no hesitation in recommending this even if it is the first and only version you purchase

I have, or have had, outstanding DVDs of all the important classical ballets (in my opinion), so I'm pretty jaded. I used to have two DVDs of Giselle, which I gave to my granddaughter. One was with Alessandra Ferri dancing, and was probably the best Giselle available, and the other was very good (four stars). The dancers on this DVD are just good, and definitely not world-class. This would probably be a good DVD to show to a child who's never seen a ballet and wouldn't appreciate what world-class dancers are capable of. I can't remember the choreography on my other two Giselle's, but the choreography on this DVD seems amazingly simplified. And there's no dancing at all to much of the beautiful music that would just cry out to me (if I were a choreographer or dancer) to be danced to. So, for beginners only. I should add that the music is a pleasure to listen to.

In my opinion this was the best production of Creole Giselle. Loved everything about the production. Saw this on TV years ago and I was so happy when I found it on AMAZON. My husband never saw this and he also enjoyed the performance.

Beautiful version of one of my favorite ballets.

Thanks, good product arrived promptly.

This version of Giselle was the first version I had ever seen. It brought the heart-breaking story to live with beautiful choreography. The special effects at the end of the ballet are breath taking. This is an awesome DVD of and even better ballet.

My fault!!! Somehow I failed to notice it was VHS rather than DVD. I ordered another. That one is fine.