Central Oregon School of Ballet presents Giselle, one of the most revered works of the classical ballet canon, with performances April 18–19 at Mountain View High School. Tickets are now available at https://centraloregonschoolofballet.com/giselle/
A cornerstone of 19th-century ballet, Giselle is a work of striking contrast—earthy and joyful in its first act, otherworldly and transcendent in its second. This production invites audiences into that world: from a sunlit village alive with dance to a moonlit forest inhabited by the ghostly Wilis, where love endures beyond betrayal, and even beyond death.
Presented by Central Oregon School of Ballet, this is a fully staged student production that reflects the depth of training, discipline, and artistry cultivated within the school’s classical program. Under the direction of Joshua Deininger, dancers take on one of the most demanding works in the classical repertoire—technically rigorous, emotionally nuanced, and deeply human.
This production of Giselle emphasizes clarity of storytelling and the purity of classical technique. Audiences can expect sweeping corps de ballet scenes, intimate and expressive pas de deux, and the iconic second act—an extended meditation on justice, grace, and the enduring power of love. Costuming and staging draw from the traditions of the Romantic era while creating a cohesive and immersive theatrical experience.
“Giselle is an incredibly emotional ballet ,” said Artistic Director Joshua Deininger. “Its the first drama we’ve done in several years and it requires significant emotional investment in addition to its technical rigours. It’s costumed beautifully with romantic tutus and garlands, but it’s really in the movement and how it’s tied to the music that gives this performance its beautiful ethereal quality and its emotional weight.
Founded in 1981, Central Oregon School of Ballet is dedicated to excellence in classical ballet training and to contributing meaningfully to the arts and culture of Bend. The school offers a comprehensive program for dancers ages 5 through adult, focusing on strong technique, artistry, and performance experience. Productions like Giselle are central to that mission, giving students the opportunity to engage with masterworks of the repertoire in a meaningful and transformative way. In addition to its annual production of The Nutcracker, the school presents a rotating spring classical ballet, allowing students to perform a variety of works from the classical canon. These productions enrich the Bend community while upholding the integrity, beauty, and tradition of classical ballet, and often feature collaborations with local and professional guest artists, connecting students to the broader world of dance.
Performance Details
Dates: April 18–19, 2026
Location: Mountain View High School
2755 NE 27th St, Bend, OR
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours, including intermission
Tickets: Available online at https://centraloregonschoolofballet.com/giselle/
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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