Swan Lake (2015)
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Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting. When one of the swans turns into a beautiful woman, Odette, he is instantly captivated and determines to break the spell that holds her captive.
The evil spirit Von Rothbart, arbiter of the curse, disguises his daughter as Odette. Fooled, Siegfried declares his love for her, and so dooms Odette to suffer under the curse forever. Siegfried and Odette drown themselves and are united in death.
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 radiant 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 glorious interpretation uses classical choreography created by Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa for the ballet's revised 1895 version. Dramatic costumes emphasize the contrast between human and spirit worlds, while glowing lanterns, shimmering fabrics and designs inspired by the work of Peter Carl Fabergé create a magical setting.
Performers
Digital Programme
Swan Lake Digital Programme
Digital Programmes bring together a range of specially selected films, audio clips, pictures, articles, features, news and information, as well as exclusives and updates, and highlights from the Royal Opera House website, YouTube, SoundCloud and Flickr pages. Features are added as the performances approach, to enhance your experience of a production.
Cast sheets
Cast sheets are available as PDFs
News and features
What did you think of the live cinema relay of the iconic romantic ballet, starring Natalia Osipova and Matthew Golding?
Rehearsal footage and exclusive interviews from the cast and creative team of The Royal Ballet's Swan Lake .
Anthony Dowell's production of perhaps the greatest Romantic ballet of all stars Natalia Osipova, Matthew Golding and Gary Avis.
To find out more visit the Swan Lake (2015) production page .