The American Ballet Theatre is one of the most renowned classical dance
companies in the world. The company's long history is strongly linked with
Antony Tudor, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, three of the most
distinguished choreographers of our century. With its strong contrast
between the realistic peasants of the first act and the disembodied spirits
of the second, "Giselle" can be considered as romantic ballet at its peak.
Following the premiere of David Blair's choreography of "Giselle" for the
American Ballet Theatre in 1969, the New York press acclaimed Carla Fracci
and Erik Bruhn as one of the most convincingly harmonious partnerships at
work on the ballet stage.