Swan Lake
With instantly recognizable music and a timeless story of good against evil, Swan Lake is the greatest of Romantic ballets. Anthony Dowell's production draws upon the opulent style of 1890s Russia.
Photos
Introduction
Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting. When one of the swans turns into a beautiful woman he is instantly captivated – will his love prove strong enough to break the evil spell that she is under?
Background
Swan Lake was Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky's first score for ballet. Its 1877 premiere was poorly received, but it has since become one of the most loved of all ballets. The twinned role of the pure White Swan and the scheming, duplicitous Black Swan tests the full range of a ballerina's powers, particularly in the two great pas de deux of Acts II and III. Other highlights include the charming Dance of the Little Swans performed by a moonlit lake and sweeping ballroom waltzes in the splendour of the royal palace.
Anthony Dowell's romantic interpretation returns the ballet to its 1895 origins by using the choreography of Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa. Dramatic costumes emphasize the contrast between human and spirit worlds, while glowing lanterns, shimmering fabrics and designs inspired by the work of Carl Fabergé create a magical setting.
Credits
| Choreography | Marius Petipa |
| Choreography | Lev Ivanov |
| Additional choreography | Frederick Ashton |
| Additional choreography | David Bintley |
| Music | Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky |
| Production | Anthony Dowell |
| Designs | Yolanda Sonnabend |
| Lighting design | Mark Henderson |
| Production research | Roland John Wiley |
| Staging | Christopher Carr |
Related links
- www.roh.org.uk Swan Lake Resources for Children
- www.youtube.com Watch our Swan Lake playlist on Youtube
- www.rohcollections.org.uk Costume, photographic & poster collections - Swan Lake
- www.opusarte.com The Royal Ballet - Swan Lake (DVD)
- en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia: Swan Lake
