The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden provided a fitting backdrop for the UK debut of Japan’s National Ballet Company, which presented Giselle under the direction of former Royal Ballet Principal Miyako Yoshida. Historically an art form reserved for royalty and the upper classes, ballet is now far more accessible, something reflected in the diverse, enthusiastic audience gathered on the night I attended.

Despite arriving straight from work and feeling slightly underdressed, I was warmly welcomed. The crowd was a mix of all ages and backgrounds: couples, families, and solo attendees, with a noticeable buzz of anticipation. It was my second time seeing a ballet and my boyfriend’s first, so we weren’t entirely sure what to expect.

Yoshida’s production of Giselle, seen for the first time outside Japan, features set design by award-winning British designer Dick Bird. The first act revealed a vivid village scene. The level of detail in the set was striking, almost surreal, and complemented by vibrant, thoughtfully designed costumes. Not knowing the story beforehand, we found ourselves guessing the plot during the interval and later confirmed most of it by reading the programme.

The second act introduced a sharp tonal shift. The stage turned dramatically darker, with swirling smoke creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The ballerinas seemed to float, their movements hypnotically in sync. At times, it felt like watching a single dancer reflected in mirrors. The costumes in this act were ethereal, evoking a sense of ghostly elegance that called to mind Black Swan.

The performance ended with a well-earned standing ovation. Giselle, in this interpretation, was both accessible and affecting, a strong debut for the National Ballet of Japan and a memorable evening at one of London’s most iconic venues

For more information visit www.rbo.org.uk.

Word by Ama Samra

Production photo ©2025 Foteini Christofilopoulou