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The Willis

The ethereal beauty and haunting allure of the Willis

Halloween is all about spooky characters like witches, pumpkins, and devils, right? But if you're a dancer, you know the real nightmare fuel: the Willi.

Picture1: Teatro alla Scala, Photo Brescia & Amisano 

You know that spectral scene in Giselle, set in a graveyard beside Giselle's tomb? Well, the myth of the Willi doesn't just come from that iconic ballet (originally titled Giselle, ou les Wilis). These spirits are actually based on ancient Slavic folklore.

 

Picture 2: Le Villi, painting by Bartolomeo Giuliano, 1906, oil on canvas, Gallerie d’Italia – Milano

The Vilas are nature spirits with a complex relationship with humans.

Did you know there are three types of Willi: land and forest spirits, water nymphs, and air nymphs? They can transform into swans, falcons, horses, or wolves.

At night, they roam the clouds, making eerie music with pipes and drums. And beware—anyone who calls out to them is doomed. They'll be struck with a mysterious illness and die within a year or two.

 

Picture 3: Miss Emma Harding as Queen of the Wilis, in the Phantom dancers

Giselle, ou les Wilis

Of course, the most famous Willi story is found in the Second Act of Giselle, considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Romantic ballet.

In this version, based on Slovakian folklore, the Willi are the restless spirits of young women who died of broken hearts. Led by the Queen of the Wilis, Myrtha, they take revenge on men by dancing them to death.

We're always captivated by the entrance of the Willi, with their flowing white tutus and ghostly complexions. Can you picture that terrifying night and the deadly dance between Giselle and Albrecht?

Picture 4: Myrtha, Maria Celeste Losa - Teatro alla Scala, Photo Brescia & Amisano

 

Here’s two video you can draw inspiration from:

Giselle – Dance of the Willis (The Royal Ballet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRMc4G8FLPg

Giselle II Act - La danza delle Willi (Teatro alla Scala) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXpcB4xQg-I

 

So, are you convinced? The Willi are the ultimate Halloween villain!

Want to channel your inner Willi this Halloween? Check out our collection of leotards perfect for creating your own ghostly ballet look!

  • Afrodite CL: With its delicate lace on the chest and sleeve, this leotard is reminiscent of the early costumes designed for this role.
  • Brigid Ballet Class: Its thin straps and simplicity evoke the more modern costumes used in productions at La Scala.
  • Or perhaps you'd prefer the Venere Ballet Class? Its V-neckline mirrors the bodice of the costume, and its pure white color will definitely create a spectral effect.

Remember to pair your chosen leotard with a long, romantic tutu. If you don't have one, a Studio skirt can work just as well. All you need to complete the look is pale makeup, an updo, and a floral crown.

 

A fun fact about the Willi:

There's actually a two-act opera-ballet by Giacomo Puccini titled Le Villi. While the story shares some similarities with Giselle, with characters like Anna and Roberto, it doesn't end on such a romantic note. In Puccini's version, the Willi protect Anna's ghost from her treacherous lover, leading him to his death with a whirlwind dance that lasts all night until dawn.

Picture 5:  Le Villi photo Priamo Tolu

So, which Willi look will you choose? Let us know in the comments!

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