There are more than 300 women's clubs in Britain, some able to field several teams, and the number continues to grow. Giselle, 28, took up the game eight years ago at the suggestion of a boyfriend because she was bored with netball and hockey.
It is production as substitute for interpretation, and on these terms it worked helpfully on Monday night when Lisa Cullum and Bart de Block were the central figures. Miss Cullum is a young dancer, and her Giselle is a tender, very immature portrayal.
The supporting playing is discreet, well-mannered, and in Josef Christianson we saw a fine Hilarion, credible in his feelings for Giselle as in his terrors amid the menacing wilis.
And on Saturday night I found my way to the ballet at the Warsaw opera house which - for Giselle - was surprisingly enjoyable.
His exit in Act 1 - turning back to gaze at the dead Giselle - was worthy of Gericault. His pose,flower held aloft, as the ballet ends, would have inspired Berlioz. And in nothing is this marvellous interpretation selfish.
Fernando Bujones, who left ABT after a disagreement with Mr. Baryshnikov, returned for "Black Swan," "Giselle" and "The Sleeping Beauty."
I'd love to.' Giselle sprang from the sofa to show me the video of herself and her team-mates in action in their world cup final.
Above all, he invested his dancing with a sense of commitment such as no one currently performing with ABT seems able to achieve, but without which ballets like "Giselle" cannot come to life.
Later, at the Bolshoi theatre for a performance of Giselle, they toasted each other with champagne. 'We have a good working relationship, even though we sometimes shout at each other.
Giselle, who is not, says sexual preferences have no more relevance in rugby than in tennis, golf, athletics or any other sport.
Her Giselle was delicate, most effective amid the mists and mystery of the second act, where her compassion was touchingly sincere.