Ballet West’s Swan Lake, captivated the Macrobert Arts Centre and took it back in time, to a distant realm of chivalrous magic and mystery.

Tchaikovsky’s immortal ballet that derives from Russian folk tales, was created between 1875-76, and remains one of the world’s best known and most prestigious dance compositions.

The story begins in medieval Germany, with a handsome young prince who after a day of birthday celebrations at court, goes hunting with his friends deep within a forest. But when they arrive at a lake, the Prince sees something unexpected, a beautiful white swan; a Queen.

However, she is not all she seems; she is a princess called Odette, transformed by a sorcerer. By day, she is a swan, yet when the sun sets, she turns back into her human self.

Enchanted by each other’s beauty and true hearts, the pair dance the night away and swear their undying love.

The next evening, the Prince’s mother holds a grand feast, during which many potential brides are presented to him. Still, he has no interest in any of them, as his heart belongs to Odette.

But then, the evil sorcerer, Baron Von Rothbart, appears at the party with his daughter Odile. When the Prince sets eyes on her, he is charmed by her looks and thinks she is Odette. Dancing together, it is clear he is transfixed and their parents announce their betrothal.

At this point, the Baron’s secret and wicked plan is revealed and the Prince realises that this is not his swan queen, but an imposter and a trap and rushes away to find his heartbroken love.

Nonetheless, Rothbart tells him that he must marry his daughter, or both he and Odette will be cursed and die. In a vicious showdown, the young hero fights the villain and the fate of the swans and the future of the innocent lovers hangs in the balance.

Best Wordpress Gallery Plugin

Ballet West’s performance of this classic ballet was gorgeous and was awakened by the graceful vitality and precision of the dancers.

The costumes and scenery brought an authentic renaissance like feel to the production and added a hint of long forgotten valour and gallant romance, belonging to the style of storytelling from the enlightened period.

Each series of costumes and sets carefully connected to the characters and represented the contrasting dark, light and mythical themes or emotions from the changing scenes.

But, most importantly of all, was the flawless dancing and technique delivered throughout the acts. As ever, Ballet West brought to stage an inspired group of talented and wonderfully passionate dancers, who allowed the music to flow through and conduct their movements.

The Prima Ballerina, Natasha Watson, brought a classical elegance to her performance, rendering her the perfect fairtytale princess.

At the same time, Uyu Hiromoto, who danced as Odile, embodied a gorgeous image of corruption, aggressive power and seductive poise.

Both dancers had incredible subtly, strength and control throughout the show, and lovingly breathed life into their timeless swan characters, through their masterful skill as principles.

Overall, Swan Lake was like being in a delicate dream. Tchaikovsky’s dark tale of love, evil and the conflicts of power, was delivered with breath-taking beauty that held the audience in a hush. But most of all, the majesty of this eternal ballet was vibrant and refreshed by the ever sensational performance of Ballet West.

Video courtesy of: Ballet West

Caroline Malcolm-Boulton
Latest posts by Caroline Malcolm-Boulton (see all)