Wilis tutu from Giselle (1970) designed by Desmond Heeley

As Corps de Ballet dancers often get their start as Wilis in Giselle, this tutu has been worn by many dancers, even those who have gone on to become Principal Dancers. Two celebrated artists who have had the lengthiest careers in the history of the National Ballet are Lorna Geddes, who joined the company in 1959 and remains today as Principal Character Artist, and Victoria Bertram, who joined the company in 1963 and danced for 47 years, concluding her career as Principal Character Artist in 2010.
The National Ballet of Canada’s production of Giselle was choreographed by Sir Peter Wright and features designs by Desmond Heeley. The Corps members play an important role in the ballet, most notably in Act II when Giselle joins the Wilis, spirits of young betrothed women who, after being betrayed by their lovers die from grief. They wear disintegrating Victorian style wedding gowns trimmed with dying roses which have been soiled from years of haunting their woodland home.