Reviewed by Matt Ritchey

Aeriform Arts production last year of Dorothy and Alice was a magical, impressive, immersive event of dream-like proportions, held at their small workspace in Hollywood. They return this year with Cirque du Giselle, an acrobatic, silk, aerial ballet based on the classic story… and they have upped the game considerably.

Performed this year at the Assistance League Theatre, a great venue for a ballet, the company takes a more traditional approach to the classic ballet story of Giselle (Tamysen Malles) who falls in love with Albrecht (Tavi Stutz) only to find he is betrothed to another, and she dies of a broken heart, like ya do. This first act is beautifully choreographed with great lighting and video design by Brandon Baruch and Jane Rose.

But Act Two is where it happens – Aeriform brings the spooky, bizarre, and gorgeous work that I adored so much last year and makes it all appear as a ghostly group of women who’ve been betrayed by their lovers rise, lift Giselle from her grave, and urge her to take revenge. Using stilts, silks, and amazing costuming with gorgeous projections and light, this is where it’s clear Aeriform is doing this show. I could argue that given our current climate and the unique nature of this company that perhaps Giselle should have joined the ghostly women and killed Albrecht in this production, but they instead stick to the traditional story, which comes off beautifully.

Another wonderful production directed by Allelon Ruggiero and produced by Lea Walker, showing that Aeriform is clearly taking no prisoners and will soon be one of the premiere and most notable dance companies in Los Angeles.

Highly Recommended

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