Connecticut Ballet Announces June Production of "Giselle" with Guest Artists

Press release

Connecticut Ballet Announces GISELLE

Performances in June

February 27, 2026/Hartford, CT... Connecticut Ballet Artistic Director Brett Raphael has announced that the company will be reviving the romantic tragedy Giselle for two performances only, both featuring acclaimed guest artists in the leads. Set to the famous score by Adolphe Adam, the lead role of Giselle is considered one of the most dramatic in all of ballet. The production will be performed Saturday, June 13 at 7:30pm at the Palace Theatre in Stamford and Saturday, June 20 at 7:30pm at The Bushnell in Hartford.

Dancing the lead on June 13 in Stamford will be Philadelphia Ballet principal dancer Oksana Maslova, who made her debut in the ballet as a Connecticut Ballet principal dancer in 2014. Making her debut in the role on June 20 in Hartford will be New York City Ballet principal dancer Indiana Woodward. Both Ms. Maslova and Woodward appeared as guest artists as Sugar Plum Fairy in Connecticut Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker this past December. Joining Maslova in Stamford and Woodward in Hartford will be Philadelphia Ballet principal dancer Sterling Baca performing the role of Albrecht.

About Giselle

Since its premiere in 1841, Giselle continues to enthrall audiences and rightly stands as one of the most popular ballets of all time.

Giselle tells the story of a young woman seduced and betrayed by a nobleman. Dying of a broken heart, she joins the ranks of the supernatural Wilis—a sisterhood of female spirits scorned before their wedding day and doomed to rise from the grave, taking their revenge for eternity.

Artistic Director Brett Raphael states, "To have these two superb ballerinas join us for the final production of the season is extra special. If you are in the mood for high drama and passion, this is the ballet performance for you."

Tickets for the Saturday, June 13 at 7:30pm performance at the Palace Theatre (61 Atlantic Street, Stamford) are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting PalaceStamford.org or by calling (203) 325-4466. Tickets for the Saturday, June 20 at 7:30pm performance at The Bushnell (166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford) are also on sale now and can be purchased by visiting Bushnell.org or by calling (860) 987-5900.

Both performances are fully accessible for people with limited mobility. Discounted group rates of 20% off are available for parties of 10. For more information, call Connecticut Ballet at (860) 293-1039, (203) 964-1211 or visit connecticutballet.org.

About Connecticut Ballet

Currently celebrating its 45th season, Connecticut Ballet is a nationally-recognized, professional company headquartered in Hartford and Stamford under the leadership of Founder and Artistic Director Brett Raphael. With a repertoire of over one hundred ballets (including eight full-length productions) performed in annual seasons at The Bushnell and The Palace Theatre in Stamford, Connecticut Ballet’s statewide Center for Dance Education offers a comprehensive educational program which includes school assemblies, outreach classes at residential treatment facilities, schools and community centers, professional development workshops for classroom teachers, and a Trainee Program for pre-professional ballet dancers. Visit connecticutballet.org.

About Brett Raphael

Brett Raphael, Artistic Director and Founder of Connecticut Ballet, has choreographed more than 20 original works and ten full-length productions since founding Connecticut Ballet in 1981. At age ten, Mr. Raphael was chosen by George Balanchine to receive a Ford Foundation scholarship to the School of American Ballet. He subsequently performed with the touring ensemble, Stars of American Ballet and choreographed independently for Boston Ballet, Netherlands Dans Theater and Joffrey II Dancers. In addition to directing Connecticut Ballet Center, Mr. Raphael has served on the faculties of Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, Harkness House in New York City, and Purchase College Division of Continuing Education. He has served as dance panelist for the New Jersey State Council and Pennsylvania Council for the Arts and is past President of Connecticut Dance Alliance.