While Giselle is world-renowned as a tragic tale of betrayal, its Parisian premiere was fueled by a real-life romance simmering behind the scenes. This is the story of Carlotta Grisi and Jules Perrot, two pillars of the ballet world whose creative partnership and personal passion changed the course of ballet history. Like many notable couples in the history of dance, Grisi and Perrot crafted a repertoire of legendary works that remain as popular today as they were almost 200 years ago.

Jules Perrot trained under the legendary Auguste Vestris and Salvatore Viganò before becoming a principal star at the Paris Opéra, where he was frequently partnered with the iconic Marie Taglioni. It was during this height of his career that he met Carlotta Grisi, a graduate of the prestigious Teatro alla Scala in Milan.

Grisi and Perrot found immense success across the stages of Paris and London, but it all started with Giselle. Following her debut, Grisi would be the only ballerina to dance as Giselle at the Paris Opera subsequently from 1841-1849. Her debut in Giselle also solidified the pointe shoe as an essential tool for the Romantic ballerina.

While Grisi was Perrot’s muse, that didn’t mean she wasn't afraid to put her foot down when she had to. Perrot, ever the fan of spectacle, envisioned an aerial routine where Giselle would float ghost-like above the stage on wires. During the 19th century, this technology was still extremely experimental, and Grisi remained skeptical of the contraption. Her instincts were proven right when a stagehand tested the rig and crashed; the flying sequence was promptly cut from the ballet.

Every note and step of Giselle serves as a tribute to Carlotta Grisi. Perrot meticulously crafted every dance and pantomime sequence for Grisi, even collaborating with composer Adolphe Adam to integrate specific musical leitmotifs that underscored her performance. Perrot wasn't the only one captivated by the leading lady. On stage, there was Lucien Petipa who performed beside her as Albrecht, while backstage, the ballet’s co-writer, Théophile Gautier, was also famously enamored with her.

After Giselle, Grisi and Perrot’s romantic and professional relationship continued as he cast her as the heroine in a string of iconic works, including Ondine, La Esmeralda, Pas de Quatre, and La Filleule des Fées.

Though Grisi and Perrot eventually went their separate ways, Grisi’s story didn't end with heartbreak. She retired at 34 to raise her daughters, eventually settling into a quiet life in a Swiss villa provided by another admirer, a Swiss nobleman, Prince Léon Radziwill. She lived a full life, passing away just before her 80th birthday.

Witness the ballet that defined the Romantic era. Tickets to Giselle are on sale now, performing at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre February 13 to15, 2026.