The Kirov Ballet’s ‘Giselle’ at Orange County Performing Arts Center

The Wilis, the ghosts of young maidens who died on the eve of their wedding, perform in Act 1 of the Kirov Ballet production of “Giselle” at the arts center in Costa Mesa.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Diana Vishneva as Giselle pairs with Andrian Fadeev as the nobleman, Albrecht.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Vishneva gives an intuitive and highly dramatic performance in the title role.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Ekaterina Kondaurova is a very feminine but imperious Myrtha, queen of the Wilis, in “Giselle.”  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Vishneva as Giselle in an emotional scene with Fadeev in the role of Albrecht.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Vishneva and her fellow principals, including Fadeev, did not disappoint.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Vishneva, in her pink costume, in a spirited scene with Andrian Fadeev early in “Giselle.”  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Ekaterina Kondaurova as Myrtha, queen of the ghostly Wilis , shows exuberance in the Kirov Ballet production.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Vishneva showed bold, technical clarity in Friday’s performance.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Diana Vishneva performs. There were missteps, and it was a fitful night for the corps de ballet, but that did not detract from the performances of the principal dancers.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Diana Vishneva steps lively with Andrian Fadeev, while watched by the jealous woodsman Dmitry Pykhkachev as Hans, in the background.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Ekaterina Kondaurova, as Queen Myrtha with her corps of Wilis, creates a somber tone.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)