Giselle returns to QPAC in Brisbane after floods cancelled 2022 season

Fans and dancers alike were left with broken hearts after 2022’s floods cancelled the full season of a “quintessential” ballet – but now it’s back and headed for a sellout.

Patricio Reve was disappointed when the 2022 flood meant the cancellation of the full Brisbane season of Queensland Ballet’s Giselle.

Now the principal artist is happy it has been resurrected and it opens Friday night a year late. Reve, 25, who is from Cuba, says he can hardly wait to strut the stage as the princely Albrecht, love interest of the doomed Giselle.

“It’s my favourite ballet and I was really looking forward to doing it last year,” Reve says. “I danced in it in Cuba and I was so ready to do it again. The day before, we had a full rehearsal and then found it was cancelled. It was devastating, I don’t cry a lot but I actually cried that day.”

But he’s smiling now preparing to strut his stuff alongside rising star and fellow principal artist Mia Heathcote.

Heathcote, 27, was injured last year when Giselle was being mounted.

Mia Heathcote and Patricio Reve star in Giselle. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

She says the ballet is in her blood as her parents, former Australian Ballet stars Steven Heathcote and Kathy Reid, both danced in it.

“My dad has done Albrecht many times,” Heathcote says. “I saw it as a child and it’s such a beautiful ballet.” And this will be her Giselle debut.

The story follows the life of young peasant, Giselle, who falls madly in love with Duke Albrecht, who courts her in disguise as a peasant.

When she finds out Albrecht is engaged to another, Giselle dies of a broken heart.

Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin describes it as “the quintessential Romantic era ballet”.

“Now those who missed out in 2022 have the chance to finally experience the story of love, betrayal and redemption that this beautiful ballet is renowned for,
Li says. “We are delighted to be showcasing Ai-Gul’s production of Giselle. We have added extra performances to this year’s season to ensure we meet demand. We’re on track for another sell out season.”

Giselle opens Friday and runs until April 29 in the Playhouse, QPAC. Visit queenslandballet.com.au