At London’s Royal Opera House, Ukrainian dancer Marianna Tsembenhoi captivated audiences with her clear and heartfelt portrayal of Giselle, complementing Joseph Sissens’ intelligent and nuanced performance. A debut in a major ballet role is always significant, but it becomes especially remarkable when performed by a First Artist – a rank three steps below Principal in the ballet company’s hierarchy. Twenty-five-year-old Marianna Tsembenhoi is widely considered a rising star, and the Royal Ballet’s confidence in her talent appears thoroughly justified following her inaugural performance as the tragic peasant girl, Giselle. From her vibrant initial entrance, gracefully floating across the stage, the Ukrainian dancer – who moved to the UK for training in 2017 – demonstrated impressive elevation, seemingly weightless. Tsembenhoi’s bright-eyed, youthful Giselle embodied a purity of innocence and inherent goodness. Technically precise, her dancing featured elegant, flowing arm movements, reminiscent of swaying willow branches.
Royal Ballet: Giselle review – Marianna Tsembenhoi soars in an indelible debut
By Rupert Blackwood
Investigative journalist based in Sheffield, focusing on technology's impact on society. Rupert specializes in cybercrime's effect on communities, from online fraud targeting elderly residents to cryptocurrency scams. His reporting examines social media manipulation, digital surveillance, and how criminal networks operate in cyberspace. With expertise in computer systems, he connects technical complexity with real-world consequences for ordinary people