Nikolaj Hübbe and Silja Schandorff’s production of the immortal story offers an unforgettable cultural experience.
The opening night – with J’aime Crandall, Alban Lendorf and Jon Axel Fransson in the main roles – harvested a well-deserved ten-minute long standing ovation. Queen Margarethe II looked on approvingly too.
Honouring tradition with creative twists
Like most ballet companies, the Royal Ballet’s version respects the original staging based on Marius Petipa’s and Lev Ivanov’s blueprint from 1895.
However, Schandorff and Hübbe included some creative modifications, both in regards to the scenography and the story’s finale.
Watch the trailer here.
Visual adventure
Mikki Kunttu, a magician among lightning designers, invited the audience on an enchanting and visual adventure. His take on the classic fairy-tale offers a modern, cinematic experience.
Meanwhile, Mia Stensgaard’s Renaissance-inspired costumes provide a dramatic contrast and unfold beautifully on the abstract background.
It will take your breath away
J’aime Crandall passed the ultimate test of performing the double role of Odette/Odile gracefully.
Leaving the audience awestruck, Crandall convinced she could be both the pure and innocent Odette as well as the seductive and fraudulent Odile.
The entire ensemble – from the back rows to the stars in the spotlight – danced with dramatic conviction and gracefulness. It was a pleasure to watch.
From fiasco to triumph
Combined with Tchaikovsky’s haunting music, strong performances and ballerinas in white tutus, the gripping story of unattainable love between Siegfried and Odette, and their fight against the evil magician Von Rothbart, and Sigfried’s fatal encounter with the seductive Odile continues to move people’s hearts.
Tchaikovsky died in 1893 believing he wrote a complete flop because the ballet’s premiere in 1877 was a fiasco.
Today, Swan Lake is considered a classic and one of ballet's most beautiful performances to behold.
The Swan Lake Ballet
Where: The Opera House (main stage)
When: 17/03, 31/03, 01/04, 09/04, 10/04, 12/04, 15/04, 16/04, 18/04,21/04, 24/04, 25/04, 29/04, 30/04, 01/05
Duration: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Price: 125-795 kroner
