A Giselle with some life
Isabella Boylston and Isaac Hernandez at ABT
Wonderful Giselle tonight (June 25) from Isabella Boylston and Isaac Hernandez. Boylston is lively and full of joy in the first act, and wonderfully free and loving in the second. I prefer a Giselle with some life. She stirs up the air around her in her jumps. Her upper body is mobile and pliant. And she's truly musical. Hernandez is a star, reminiscent of the great Latin American and Spanish dancers of ABT's past. He danced impeccably, with soft clean landings and 26 entrechats six. But he's an even better actor and partner, adding nuance and humanity to the character. His transformation began in the first act, when he began to understand the gravity of what he had done. The ending was simple; it was as if, after a night of internal struggle, he could finally cry. Of the supporting characters, Patrick Frenette is a touchingly ardent Hilarion; Sierra Armstrong and Michael de la Nuez were impressive, almost heroic in the peasant pas de deux; and Léa Fleytoux an excellent Zulma. But: ABT's Giselle production is starting to look a little frayed, particularly the costumes. Time for a refresh?
