State Street Ballet Dances into a New Era with ‘Giselle’ 

State Street Ballet (SSB) launches its 2023-24 season, its first under new leadership following the transition from founder Rodney Gustafson to new Artistic Director Megan Philipp and Cecily MacDougall as Executive Director. Philipp, who has been with SSB for a decade, is staging this weekend’s performances of Giselle, one of the most beloved ballets of all time for its ethereal tale of immortal love and redemption that warms the soul. Guest artist Nerea Barrondo, who was a dancer with the company last season, takes on the title role of the peasant girl who is haunted by spirits doomed to dance through darkness in the saga featuring a kaleidoscope of emotions ranging from joyous celebration to betrayal, and finally the redemption of tender forgiveness. Ryan Lenkey portrays Albrecht in his first principal classical role since joining SSB in 2021.

The full-scale production with the classic choreography by Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot, and Marius Petipa also features Nir Kabaretti conducting the Santa Barbara Symphony performing the score by Adolphe Adam from the pit at the Granada for the two shows on October 21 and 22.

Visit www.statestreetballet.com and www.granadasb.org for more information and tickets.