The Kirov Ballet’s ‘Giselle’ at Orange County Performing Arts Center
Diana Vishneva as Giselle dances with Dmitry Pykhachev as Hans, a woodsman, in the Kirov Ballet’s production of the classic “Giselle.” (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
The Wilis, the ghosts of young maidens who died on the eve of their wedding, perform in Act 1 of the Kirov Ballet production of “Giselle” at the arts center in Costa Mesa. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Diana Vishneva as Giselle pairs with Andrian Fadeev as the nobleman, Albrecht. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Vishneva gives an intuitive and highly dramatic performance in the title role. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Ekaterina Kondaurova is a very feminine but imperious Myrtha, queen of the Wilis, in “Giselle.” (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Vishneva as Giselle in an emotional scene with Fadeev in the role of Albrecht. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Vishneva and her fellow principals, including Fadeev, did not disappoint. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Vishneva, in her pink costume, in a spirited scene with Andrian Fadeev early in “Giselle.” (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Ekaterina Kondaurova as Myrtha, queen of the ghostly Wilis , shows exuberance in the Kirov Ballet production. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Vishneva showed bold, technical clarity in Friday’s performance. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Diana Vishneva performs. There were missteps, and it was a fitful night for the corps de ballet, but that did not detract from the performances of the principal dancers. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Diana Vishneva steps lively with Andrian Fadeev, while watched by the jealous woodsman Dmitry Pykhkachev as Hans, in the background. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Ekaterina Kondaurova, as Queen Myrtha with her corps of Wilis, creates a somber tone. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
