We asked Shira Lanyi, the second Richmond Ballet dancer portraying Giselle, to answer the same questions Cecile did last week. Below are her answers...some similar and some completely different. It's so interesting how two different ballerinas can bring two different interpretations to the same role, isn't it?Why is Giselle your favorite ballet?
Giselle was one of the first classical ballets that I ever saw performed at the Carpenter Center as a little girl. I vividly remember loving the score as well as the story of the ballet. Giselle is a huge challenge as a dancer because the two acts are entirely different from one another-- not only in terms of character portrayal, but also in terms of the dancing style. This stark contrast brings a unique quality to the ballet that moves the audience and brings a sense of fulfillment to the dancers.
How many pairs of pointe shoes have you been going through each of these grueling rehearsal weeks?
Unlike The Nutcracker or even Romeo & Juliet, Giselle requires much softer shoes for the amount of jumping and articulation that is required to play this role. I have been going through about two pairs a week during rehearsal. In act two, Giselle is a supernatural being, and therefore must not make any noise, so the pointe shoes must be very soft for this to happen.
What do you do on your own outside of rehearsal to prepare yourself for this role? How do you remember all of that choreography?
I love watching Carla Fracci and Erik Bruhn [American Ballet Theatre] just for inspiration on video. However, I have also read several books that explain the libretto, or story of Giselle in greater depth, and delve into the characters and relationships that exist in the ballet. 'The Ballet Called Giselle' by Beaumont is one such book that I sometimes read before bed. I also always keep a notebook for corrections that Malcolm gives to me on a daily basis, which is now quite thick!
What has been most helpful in preparing you for the performance?
I had the rare opportunity of working with Malcolm three years ago privately on the role of Giselle in act two. Malcolm has a breadth of knowledge and is a magnificent coach. Also, working with my partner Tommy has been amazing since we both really connect with each other on stage and also work on connecting the story in rehearsal.
What has been the greatest challenge for you so far in the rehearsal process?
My greatest challenge has been to create the contrast between act one Giselle and act two. The two acts are so drastically different in terms of character development as well as the style and form of the dancing. Act one Giselle is vibrant and full of life, while act two Giselle is an ethereal creature who is full of a more mature love of Albrecht. I love the dichotomy of the role, it definitely presents a new challenge.
What has been most rewarding part of playing this role?
I love playing this character because I have to completely lose myself in the story in order for it to be believable to the audience. I am still Shira, but I have to become Giselle, and that to me is a rewarding journey to take from the beginning of the ballet through to the end. It is full of emotion and discovery, and every rehearsal is a little different since you must connect with the other characters on stage as well.
Who is Giselle; what is she like, in your interpretation?
Giselle is a girl who is so trusting in the good of others and love that she finds herself in a very terrible situation. She is full of life and just loves to dance despite the fact that she has a very weak heart. Her vibrancy and trust in others draws people to her side, and all of the townspeople call her a friend. However, she is also a girl who is very fragile and that is why things go so badly when Albrecht betrays her.
How has it been rehearsing with Thomas Garrett?
Working with Tommy has been a magnificent experience. He brings so much knowledge and interest to the ballet and really delves into his character. He has become Albrecht and that makes it even easier for me to become Giselle with him.
At the end of Act 1, you have a very dramatic scene in which you lose your mind from heartache. How do you portray such a tragedy?
This was a huge challenge for me because I had to discover a part of myself that I have yet to discover in my real life. I just have to imagine that my true love has just broken my heart and I have to feel the hurt that drives me into a state of madness. The scene is so intense and full of drama it is hard to stop myself from shaking as I play the role of a broken hearted young girl. To tear myself from the floor after the end of act one is exhausting and it certainly resonates into the next act.
What does the story of Giselle say about love to you?
That love can live forever, even beyond death.
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