Giselle's Act 1 Variation: A Timeless Ballet Classic | 1951 vs. Now Comparison

Welcome to another ballet nerd video! Today, we're diving into the enchanting Giselle's Act 1 Variation, comparing the mesmerizing performances from 1951 to the present day. Join us as we celebrate the evolution of this timeless ballet classic!
In this video, we'll be analyzing the technical and artistic differences between the two eras, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of ballerinas from both generations. From the graceful turns to the delicate footwork, Giselle's Act 1 Variation has captivated audiences for decades, and we're thrilled to share this journey with you.
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[@naomimckay]

I've also noticed that in older productions of ballets, they don't have the same amount of space. The stage in the Markova version was so small that resulted in her dancing beneath herself. In the Naghdi, she really had to move to fill the space. I think it's all kind of related to present-day ballet being slower and with more holds and pauses, and old ballet being quick because she didn't have to have time to really travel on such a small stage. Thank y'all for talking us through both versions of the variations! 💕💕

[@balletreign]

That is a good point! Markova’s space is definitely smaller (it was recorded in a filming studio rather than a theatre stage) which def makes it harder to travel to full capacity and perhaps it might promote a faster tempo. Thanks for watching!

[@katherenewedic8076]

stages and rehearsal space were smaller too. There's less of an emphasis on intricate foot work now, and back then foot technique was exact. Now you barely see foot work at all, just big extensions and over flexing of the feet, hence more injuries, and more sever injuries. good luck walking later in life.

[@Rach227204]

I'm glad you mentioned the pointe shoes. Anyone that criticises a 1950's dancer for technique ignores just how bad those pointe shoes were by comparison to todays standards. The fact that Markova managed to do so beautifully in them is remarkable in itself. Even ignoring the fact of how much 50's dancers were pushing boundaries.

[@balletreign]

Absolutely!! You can’t compare two things that aren’t the same 🙌🏻. Markova and so many other dancers in her time are absolutely astonishing 🤩

[@isabelaandzico]

Alicia Markova was actually born Lilian Alicia Marks. She changed her name because when dancing with Ballet Russes she recognized that back then having a Russian sounding name made you more popular. Along with Dame Margot Fonteyn, Dame Alicia Markova are the only two British ballerinas in the exclusive club of Prima Ballerina Assoluta.

[@CheyenneSedai]

You guys should do a collar with TwoSet Violin when they go to the States later this year. It would be really fun to do a modified version of charades, where they're all female variations, and each of you is paired up with one of them. There are several versions of how this could work. A) The violinist draws a piece of music (either just the name or with the phrases to play), the ballerina hears it and has to respond with the right variation for a couple of phrases (and then probably confirm verbally which it is since I don't think they'll recognize the variation on sight) and see how many each pair manages. B) Same as before, but the other pair has to guess which variation it is C) Both the ballerina and the violinist know what variation it will be and the other pair has to guess. It would be a super fun game, even if it's just the two of you if logistics don't work out.

[@dronesclubhighjinks]

Great idea! I'd love to watch this!

[@lefauteuilparesseux7971]

Was about to suggest !

[@leoswift6938]

That would be insane 🤩

[@balletreign]

Haha, that would be fun! Thanks for your request and thoughtful ideas for this collab. We will try to make it happen just bc we love y’all 😅♥️

[@balletreign]

Thank you to all of you who voted for this 😂

[@cateplink1633]

I watched a lot of ballet in the 50's with my mother. I studied ballet myself in the late 50's and early 60's but I had not realised just how much ballet has changed. I very rarely get a chance to see much ballet these days, but maybe I'll make time more often.

[@balletreign]

So happy to hear you will try to see more ballets 💕 That makes us happy!

[@soapygirl83]

I read this biography of markova and she talked a lot about how she gave a lot of thought to the character of Giselle and wanted her to be this very innocent and pure young girl and she really wanted that character to be embodied in her dancing

[@thatkatblack7713]

Petition to bring those diagonal turns back! They fit the music so well!

[@noreenarnold5723]

Markova was not dancing on a full stage but rather a small, compact performing space set up for filming. There was no room for a full circle so the diagonal was substituted instead.

[@mmmdesign1]

Just to point out the obvious . . . the Markova variation was filmed in a television [?] studio. She works a shallow, horizontal space of about 14 feet (not the 40 or 50 feet width of a deep, proscenium stage). The diagonal she works is not much longer. $10 says the choreography was changed to keep all the steps underneath her so she does not travel.

[@adamuffoletto7869]

Man I absolutely love these deep dives into specific bits of ballet lore. You guys are so knowledgeable and articulate and it's very clear you guys do your research. Kudos!

[@balletreign]

Aww thank you!! Appreciate your kind feedback- it helps us bring you all ballet content that is relatable and fun! Glad you’re enjoying these videos 🥹❤️

[@sharimeline3077]

I started taking both ballet and figure skating in the 60's, and both sports have changed so much since then. My mother was a dancer in the 1940's. She had books about ballet, and some records that were like mini classes to do at home, complete with old fashioned photos of dancers demonstrating each step. I looked at the books a lot, the pictures were from the 40's and before (some photos were from the 1910's). Even in still photos, I was fascinated with the differences between dancers from the past, and what I was doing. I could see the progression and how dancers always pushed forward to more perfection and precision, greater strength, etc. Even though I was never particularly talented at either skating or ballet, I took regular lessons in both for many years, and I still do home ballet classes through youtube videos. Both ballet and skating have brought me so much joy. It's like knowing a language, and that language unlocks so much. ❤

[@balletreign]

Thanks for sharing your journey with ballet (and figure skating!) That’s so beautiful to hear you are enjoying ballet even now. We don’t all need to be professional ballerinas to share a love and joy for the art :) Glad we can share the same language of ballet here on this channel 🩰♥️

[@daphnegeorge7481]

I saw Alicia Markova dance at Covent Garden when I was a child. She was famous for her ballon. She appeared to float in the air.

[@balletreign]

What a privilege to see such an incredible ballerina in person! Thank you for sharing. That must have been the most amazing experience 🤩

[@bgreer6584]

Your comparison is so wonderful and enjoyable! Thank you for pointing out all the little details of how things have changed. Very interesting!!

[@allandelacruz2589]

I love your channel. I've always liked ballet as an art form in general. My problem was lack of understanding beyond the pure aesthetic value. Your analyses give me tools to understand and appreciate the art form at a deeper level.

[@balletreign]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. Yes, understanding makes a huge difference to appreciating ballet as an art form. We are happy that we can help others enjoy ballet at different levels wherever you are at. Thank you for watching!

[@jenninstitches]

I started dancing in the late 80s and danced until about 2003. The amount of change that I saw was crazy and I only danced just because I loved it not because I wanted to go pro. I cannot imagine what my peers who did go pro have seen before they retired and have now moved into teaching/choreography/company leadership. It is funny seeing that older clip and the hands because my mom who learned started in the late 50s was always trying to change mine to that old position from what I was being taught by my teachers. The changes in shoes too! I would love to try on Gaynors to see what that is like.

[@scarlettschmitt6228]

I’m obsessed with y’all’s videos!

[@balletreign]

Thank you for watching, so glad you’re here! 💕

[@sabinedeixler2637]

I'm a classically trained former professional dancer who has done a lot of hisoric dance and ballet. I've experienced dancing in the way they danced at the court of Luis 14thup until modern day ballet. A lot of the port de bras came from the development of baroque and classical period and so does the footwork. Great video! I loved to see you discover the earlier manner of dancing!

[@balletreign]

Wowww thank you so much! Dance history is the coolest 🙌🏻🙌🏻. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience, so fun!

[@sabinedeixler2637]

@@balletreign i have been intrigued by dance history too. I've learnt how to read dance notation and reconstruct dances based on different sources. Quite a different approach than in classical ballett. But I loved both styles with whole my heart!

[@yvonnestrong3856]

So nice to see the old version where the music is played at a speed more like the composer intended. The way music is slowed down these days to give the ballerinas a chance to stick their knee in their ear every time they lift their leg is a bit irritating. Seeing the two performances side by side, I'm not sure that it's much of an improvement if the main reason is to emphasise technique rather than character in these older story ballets. I've seen quite a few comments on Fonteyn videos along the lines of "don't know what people saw in her, she never even lifts her leg above her waist," and I think it's sort of sad.

[@balletreign]

Absolutely! Both versions are beautiful and reflect the different styles and the changes in the art form. It is unfortunate that people sometimes overlook the dancers of old when in reality they were and still are legends that helped move the art forward. We think it’s important to appreciate them and to see the different aspects that are emphasized in each era 🤩

[@Fallon_K]

I love this !! You guys are definitely my favorite ballet content creators ! ❤️ a ballet nerd

[@balletreign]

Hi! 👋 Thank you so much, happy to have you here! Glad you are enjoying the channel. All ballet nerds welcome 😊💕

[@ssoqboss]

Did somebody already said that pointe shoes at those times had way more narrow platform? It was a size of a coin. Nowadays wide platform makes everything much easier but yet allows things which were impossible for ballerinas at the beginning of 20 century. E.g. you said like she has her arms higher than modern version. But of course she does, she needs to keep balance on those small tips.

[@balletreign]

Good pointe (😜) the pointe shoe has a big factor in shaping ballet technique as a whole

[@dronesclubhighjinks]

Seeing a new video of yours on Saturday mornings just sets me up for a great weekend! Thank you very much for providing this analysis of the historical and contemporary performances. I'm glad that you honour the past. When I was your age, I would've been more likely to make fun of how simple it looked and how much more advanced we are now thereby completely failing to recognize that we wouldn't be where we are, if they hadn't been where they were. Thankfully, you are very mature and sophisticated, and have a great sense of humour, which is not the most common combination of core characteristics! Your channel should grow by leaps and bounds because you provide not only high-quality content, but also your charming personalities absolutely sparkle! Happy Easter! 🙏🗿🩰🐰🐥❤️

[@balletreign]

Thanks so much! 💕 Glad you enjoyed the video and learned something. Always appreciate your thoughts and support 🩰😊

[@laurenbashoura9575]

I know nothing about ballet but I love this channel so much! I feel like I’m leaning a lot from you two! From what I’ve heard, there are different technique styles depending on the country you study in - it would be cool to see a comparison video like this of the same variation in two different modern ballet styles!

[@balletreign]

This is wonderful to hear! We’re happy you’re here. Thank you for your video suggestion, we’d love to talk about the different ballet styles! 💕

[@prawnenpointe2579]

please do more of these comparisons. My favourite Giselle is by the Royal Danish ballet. On KZbin there is a 2016 version with Ida Praetorius as Giselle and Andreas Kaas as Albrecht. A very romantic Bournonville style. See 42.20 for the Giselle Act 1variation you are discussing here.

[@balletreign]

Yes, we will do more ballet comparisons for you all! 😊 Thanks for sharing your favorite Gisele, would love to see this 🩰

[@newbie6036]

Thanks! I love your contents!

[@balletreign]

Aw, thank you sooo much for your support! 😊 You really made our day, this means so much to us ♥️♥️

[@CheyenneSedai]

Anyway, I loved this video, and would love to see more historical comparisons.

[@balletreign]

Yay! So glad you enjoyed this, yes we will definitely do more of these

[@Favorites3827]

Hi guys! I wonder if you ever watched Galina Ulanova in Giselle. I believe there is a full version available on KZbin and it's absolutely magical.

[@AstroBuoyant]

Excellent, enlightened, charming presentation of Ballet History

[@balletreign]

Thank you so much 😊

[@LadyBlack22]

I think that landing in the 4th, like you were saying, is actually just what 5th looks like when you don't have/force 180 turn out (this is definitely what my turnout/5th looks like)...

[@theferalcollection]

Great video! I would love to see more of these comparisons!

[@balletreign]

Yes, we will do more comparisons :) Thank you for watching!

[@curzonproduct]

Just a quick point - ENB was called London Festival Ballet back in the Markova days. The name was changed by Peter Schaufuss in the 1980‘s. Another great video, though 😘

[@dronesclubhighjinks]

Thanks for the trivia! Schaufuss is a hilarious name for a dancer. Or a hobbit. I have never thought of hobbits doing ballet before, but now this image just popped into my head. 😂 I would love a Lord of the Rings ballet!!

[@balletreign]

Yes, thanks for sharing that info. Glad you enjoyed the video! 😊

[@phoenixlundstrom3447]

For you it was "back then." For me it was yesterday. :D

[@mrlopez-pz7pu]

The music of this variation was originally written by the Italian composer Riccardo Drigo in 1887 for the visiting Italian ballerina Elena Cornalba's performance in Petipa's revival of the ballet "Fiametta". Cornalba then danced it in Giselle, and over time it stayed!

[@vanaals]

Interesting comparison. I'm now wondering if some of the evolution, of the differences, has anything to do with from which form the other takes its cue. It almost seemed like earlier, the choreography took its shape to fit the music. Now it seems that the music takes its shape to fit the choreography.

[@nightwing4701]

definitely agree on the speed differences! the kitri variation is one where i really take notice of it personally since it's such a light, playful piece, so modern performances seem significantly slower than the older ones (but i enjoy both!!) though i do prefer the modern lingering effect, it looks so detailed. thank you for this video! looking forward to more commentary videos on lesser known pieces ❤

[@balletreign]

Thanks for watching!! It’s crazy to see how much ballet has evolved 🤯 glad you liked the video! ❤️

[@katherenewedic8076]

the music was sped up on the TV version due to time allowances. also, now there is less of an emphasis on small joyful steps, which are closer to the body.

[@Witfrenci]

Beautiful video well done girls. I love it can I give you a suggestion There is a video about five ballerinas performing this variation. You could analyze it as well … thank you very much ❤❤❤

[@balletreign]

Thank you so much 💕 Glad you enjoyed this video and appreciate your suggestion! 😊

[@philzmusic8098]

The music for Alicia Markova (born Alice Marks) is half a step higher, which means that the film has been sped up. It would still be faster than today's tempo if played at the correct speed, and it's still true that the style was much crisper then.

[@maddiedavis3216]

no-one touches Natalia's version of this variation for me, her performance is incredible

[@balletreign]

Natalia’s Giselle is next level ✨✨✨

[@elisabettarcarnovale8582]

This kind of video Is Amazing!❤😊

[@balletreign]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it with us! ❤️

[@catiefayesmith7567]

May I just say, y'all are great. No notes 😊

[@balletreign]

Thank you so much, glad to have you here! 😊

[@ChayatsujiKimono]

Would some of the differences come from the space on stage? I noticed that the stage Markova was dancing on is quite small. I don't know if all stages back then were a lot smaller than todays stages.

[@holyflowerpots1400]

It may have been a TV studio

[@oldvlognewtricks]

@@holyflowerpots1400 I was also thinking some of the staging choices were intended for the camera

[@balletreign]

Yes, the stage is definitely smaller than what might be considered normal, even for that time. The piqué diagonal was actually done by many Giselle’s in the 1930-60s regardless of the size of the stage, so guess that was just the thing back then 😊

[@elemuri]

When will we see you dancing? Or do you already have a video of you performing? 😊

[@balletreign]

We hope to share more of us dancing in the future 😊 Thanks!

[@philzmusic8098]

It would be interesting to know which ballet masters changed the overall technique and which coaches changed the details of the choreography over time.

[@1087jess]

have you seen the 1960s kirov version of sleeping beauty ballet movie? mind blowing!

[@isabelaandzico]

I just started watching the video but I hope you include Olga Spessivtseva, who became so immersed in the role (she visited insane asylums according to her partner) that she went crazy. It’s a tragic story that people outside of Russia/Ukraine/Eastern Europe don’t know.

[@balletreign]

That’s so interesting! 😯 We’d love to know more about her story, that is sad and tragic and no one should have to go through 😢

[@isabelaandzico]

@@balletreign I was taught during ballet history class in Moscow. She danced at the Mariinsky, Ballet Russes, Paris Opera and finally Royal Ballet where she danced with Anton Dolin (coincidentally also Alicia Markova’s partner!). I understand how she must’ve felt. Someone like me: people pleaser, perfectionist and alone growing up in foreign countries and living and breathing ballet. I passed time by studying ballet history and understudying as many roles as possible.

[@voyaristika5673]

BunduBallerina has youtube video of Bolshoi act 1 Kitris variation through time, starting with Maximova in"1960s" The music tempo in this one was much faster than all that followed. I'd love to see a comparison of these if possible. Loving your videos!

[@balletreign]

Thanks u! We’ll have a look 👍🏻☺️

[@Witfrenci]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpqvaauZdrmKmLs here is the link of the 5 Giselle variations ❤❤❤

[@balletreign]

Wow beautiful to watch and see the progression as the choreography gets passed down and the small changes that are made that bring us to where we are today 😊 Thanks for sharing!

[@leila8458]

Please make a part 2! maybe with a pas de deux or coda? Reacting to Maya plisetskaya would be nice!

[@balletreign]

We hear u!! 👍🏻✨

[@susanpaul4752]

Loved the Alicia Markova, (nee Alice Marks) vs Yasmin Nagdi , Giselle comparison. Thanks for telling me who I am, among other things...I AM BALLET NERD! (and very happy to be one).

[@balletreign]

BALLET NERDS FOREVER 🙌🏻✨

[@melenatorr]

I grew up watching Baryshnikov and Makarova and that generation of Balanchine-influenced dancers. For a little further contrast, here's Makarova in the variation, and for me, it's a little spooky because the lightness of her movements seems to foreshadow her fate as a Wili: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZ_McoKHer-nopY. And here's Carla Fracci, with some lovely character moments, especially the way she refers to Albrecht, and that sweet little kiss to him: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4Ozq4eZlKiLhtU.

[@jessaglenny]

Very interesting. I think the modern style being slower gives time for more amplitude. In the old Festival Ballet one, the movement is tighter, faster. The name is pronounced Alissia BTW. (It's a UK / US thing.) 🙃

[@bedroombunny9529]

I think it would be interesting to see you guys talk about the lesser known Ballets even in the Ballet world. Because as a newbie all I really know are the big ones like Swan Lake.

[@balletreign]

There’s so much out there in terms of ballets, but we will definitely be sharing more of the lesser known ones we love. Thanks for your request!

[@irenevandenberg682]

nice

[@balletreign]

Thank you for watching! 🤍

[@MickeyGSinger]

Hate to admit it but liked the modern performance so much more …

[@shieldmaidenforchrist1310]

I definitely noticed that Markova's pointe shoes seem really hard. Often when I watch videos of professional dancers, the pointe shoes look incredibly soft compared to what I see in class. I'm assuming this has to do with how much stronger those who make it to a professional career are compared to students. Markova's shoes look more like hard shanks, or barely broken in shoes and she doesn't seem to through as high a demi-pointe as we are taught to strive for now. She is so quick though. I could probably learn the modern version of this variation, at the amateur level, but I don't think I would be able to do the old version because it's too fast. It's so much harder to re-center yourself at such a quick tempo if you get just a little bit off balance in one step, where it's hard to do long balances, but slower tempos give you time to also plie long enough to get back into balance for the next step.

[@balletreign]

Agreed, the pointe shoes have come a looonnng way and have affected so much of ballet technique for ballerinas today! We appreciate you sharing your observations 🙌🏻✨💕

[@boobird2]

You two are fabulous. Thank you for your insights and joyous love of the art of Ballet. I am an actor from Australia, but my passion for ballet is deep and real. I have to say, with a feather in my cap, I worked with Lucette Aldous- (she, who was in the film of Don Quixote as Kitri, with Rudolf Nureyev- ) as an actor at Drama school (WAAPA). She was so divine and so patient with an acting student who loved ballet, but can't count or dance to save herself! She liked my acting, though...So Lucette put me in ballets to work with the dancers on their acting.I am very proud of that history. Much love to you both, and thank you again. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHjQiaecYsqmsLs

[@annelowe2691]

I thought you might be interested that Alicia Markova (Alice Marks) happens to be my mothers cousin.

[@annelowe2691]

One of the stand out points Alice used make was ‘don’t rush!’

[@balletreign]

NO WAYYY that’s so cool!! She was such an amazing dancer 🤩🤩

[@jenmetelski185]

I wonder if the choreography was altered to accommodate the smaller stage they were using for this filming - they’re obviously not on a theatre stage.

[@balletreign]

There are some older clips on much bigger stages with the same choreography so we don’t think that was the reason, but maybe 🤔

[@BeatricerIVA-lm3vp]

Grazie!!!! Bellissimo! Di solito preferisco i ballerini del passato rispetto a quelli attuali perché si sta prendendo il vizio di interpretare passivamente il ruolo(non è sempre così , per esempio l' espressività della Naghdi mi piace molto. E poi mi commuovo sempre quando guardo la regina delle ballerine Osipova) ! Comunque mi piacciono tantissimo tutti e due i filmati! Visto che siete Ballet nerd, ecco qualche vintage filmato di danza (li ho cercati per ore i pomeriggi e scusate se vi annoio): Anna Pavlova nell' adagio di don Chisciotte di fine anni venti kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2K5fZlsl91qhLs Margot Fonteyn in Silvia (1952):kzbin.info/www/bejne/g37GhaJnbsifqLM Compilation di Niijnsky kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2LaZ5adaq5kZg Tamara Karsavina in Sylvia (1925) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX2Yp6t_rtNorg Questo non so bene cosa sia ma è del 1896 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHKpdYeCjdJ3odE Anna Pavlova in the fairy doll anni venti kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmK3hJJuZ5Z2r5I

[@balletreign]

Thank you so much! We will take a look at these clips, very much appreciated :) ♥️

[@BeatricerIVA-lm3vp]

@@balletreignThank you!

[@charc3345]

Wow thanks for posting this-I love modern ballet, but I adore “antique” ballet. I’m going to watch all of these ❤

[@oxoelfoxo]

due south! it is too a phrase but maybe not for talking about description boxes on YT

[@balletreign]

LOL 😂

[@zoetevka4653]

♥️✨🍁☕️📻📚🍂💫♥️

[@demureworm3694]

I really prefer the 1950s version. I think something has been lost in modern ballet compared to the older style of performing … yes, the technique and extensions are beautiful and stunning, but at what cost to the body and artistry? A sort of athleticism has entered ballet that makes dancers look the same and so sterile. A quality of feminine softness is missing, and whenever I see a dancer’s entire bony rib cage as they lift their thigh next to their ear I wince in sympathetic pain. It’s not as transportive to be so focused on the body itself instead of the character, emotion, or story….

[@rebeccawest8973]

The dancers are not that fast. The old film is faster than now.

[@tsz5868]

This abhorrent plot of Giselle should be banned.