2013 marks the triumphant return to Sydney of The Paris Opera Ballet, universally regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest ballet company in the world.  The Paris Opera Ballet will give 13 performances of Giselle for an exclusive Sydney Season at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney from 29 January.

Founded in 1661 by Louis XIV as the Academie Royale de la Danse The Paris Opera Ballet has an unbroken tradition of two hundred and fifty years at the forefront of this ever-evolving art form, producing great works, legendary dancers and exceptional choreographers.

In addition to being the oldest company, The Paris Opera Ballet is also the youngest, its ranks comprising étoiles or stars, premier danseurs, sujets or soloists, corps de ballet and junior dancers with an average age of 25.  The vast majority of the dancers have come through the company school, many commencing their training in the unique French technique as early as eight years of age.

The Paris Opera Ballet made its sensational Australian debut in 2007 when it performed in Sydney.  That season comprised a Gala at the Sydney Opera House followed by a fortnight of Swan Lake and Jewels at the Capitol Theatre.  Two years later they brought La Bayadère to Brisbane.

In January 2013 this incomparable ensemble returns to Sydney for an exclusive season of Giselle one of the best-loved and most enduring of all of the great classic “white” ballets.

“Paris Opera Ballet unequivocally lived up to its reputation as one of the best classical companies on the planet, if not the best.” – The Australian

Giselle is the quintessential romantic ballet.  The tale of an innocent country girl who, deceived by her noble lover, dies and joins the ranks of other young maidens, similarly betrayed, in a spirit world where she is able to save his life through her manifest love for him.

The narrative is simple and direct, but allied to ravishing choreography, delicious music and virtuoso dancing it becomes an unforgettable emotional experience, as moving today as it was when it was first seen in Paris in 1841.

As a French work, conceived, choreographed, composed and danced by French artists it remains, understandably one of the most important cornerstones of the company’s repertoire.  Their production, with historic sets and costumes by Alexandre Benois, one of the original designers for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, is seen as by far the most ‘authentic’ version of this masterpiece and the ideal showcase for this magnificent company and its sublime dancers.

Bookings for the Paris Opera Ballet open on Monday 2 July.

Visit Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com.au or telephone 1300 723 038.