French choreographer Patrice Bart said Tuesday he would help the Korea National Ballet Company reproduce the 19th century French classical ballet “Giselle” next month in Seoul.

“There have been different versions of ‘Giselle’ performed in the U.K. and Russia since late 19th century. But I think it is important to stage the original version of the 19th century French classical ballet,” Bart, first ballet master and associate director of dance at the Paris Opra Ballet, told reporters in Seoul.

“In the 19th-century romanticism in French ballet, there was mysticism, superstitions and fantasies. Those elements are well presented through ‘Giselle,’” he said.

“Giselle” will run from Feb. 24 to Feb. 27 at the Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater, and will also feature the work of stage and costume designer Luisa Spinatelli.

The ballet was first staged at the Paris Opra’s Salle Le Peletier in 1841 and has become representative of French romantic ballet work. The costumes will come directly from Italy.

“Although we’re adopting the 19th century scenes, I will not forget that we will stage the ballet to a 21st century audience,” Bart said.

The ballet is composed of two acts. In the first act, Giselle falls in love with Duke Albrecht who is disguised as a peasant, Loys. Hilarion, a gamekeeper, warns Giselle not to trust the stranger but she doesn’t listen. She later finds out the truth about Loys, becomes enraged and dies from shock. In the second act, Hilarion is frightened by the Wilis, female spirits who died because of men’s betrayal before marriage.

The Wilis rise from their graves at night and take revenge upon men by dancing them to death. But the spirit of Giselle, with pure love, forgives Albrecht and disappears into the forest.

“The two opposite aspects of a female ― Giselle’s soft image and the Wilis’ Queen Myrtha’s femme fatal image ― will be well staged in the ballet,” said Bart.

Bart said Korean dancers had the right body type to do classical ballet, adding that the KNBC dancers were very keen to learn from him.

Choi Tae-ji, artistic director of the KNBC, said that Bart will help the KNBC learn French classical ballet and add to its French repertoire in the future.

Another focus of the upcoming “Giselle” will be music, which will be led by Italian conductor Marzio Conti and the Korean Symphony Orchestra.

“We hope to inspire the audience not only with the beautiful techniques of ballet but with orchestral music led by Marzio Conti,” Choi said.

The Paris Opera Ballet dancers Mathieu Ganio and Laetitia Pujol will join the stage as Albrecht and Giselle.

“Giselle” will be staged at the Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater from Feb. 24 to Feb. 27. Tickets range from 100,000 won to 5,000 won. A group of more than 20 people can get a 30 percent discount and students under 19 will get a 50 percent discount. For tickets, call (02) 580-1300.

By Kim Yoon-mi (yoonmi@heraldcorp.com)