Think ballet and most of us instantly think Swan Lake. The legendary composition by Tchaikovsky has captured the imaginations of ballet enthusiasts across the globe for almost 150 years since it debuted. Dubai’s theatre buffs can catch a performance of the classic ballet in the city at The Best of Swan Lake at The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates on August 27.
This production of the classic romance is being put together by international dance company Worldstars, and they’ve roped in some of the top soloists from Europe’s leading ballet companies to bring musical genius Tchaikovsky’s stirring symphony to life. Performers from Paris Opera, the Bordeaux Ballet, the Royal Danish Ballet, La Scala, the Royal Ballet of London are regular features in Worldstars productions.
What that means for Dubai spectators is that we are in for a spectacular choreography full of technical mastery and precision, making it a visual treat worth the dirhams.
What makes Swan Lake such a timeless classic?
Based on old German and Russian folktales, Swan Lake is the story of star-crossed lovers Prince Seigfried and Princess Odette, who is trapped in the body of a swan between daybreak and midnight because of a spell cast by a wicked sorcerer. As in all fairytales, only true love can break the curse but the path to Seigfried and Odile’s union is overrun with obstacles. Mainly in the form of Odile (the Black Swan), the sorcerer’s daughter who has been enchanted to look like Odette (the White Swan) and deceive Prince Seigfried.
Drama, tragedy, magical, betrayal, mystery, romance – it’s got all the gripping plot elements that transcend time and space.
This performance is a family-friendly event and kids are welcome, so aspiring little ballerinas and ballerinos can see the magic of ballet upfront.
Swan Lake Trivia
While the romance and eloquence of Swan Lake’s narrative, and its haunting music are known to enthrall audiences of all ages, it was a colossal dud when Tchaikovsky first premiered it in 1875. Yes, the ballet that inspired the 2010 movie Black Swan and is considered Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece was laughed off the stage of Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre.
14 years later, when choreographers Marius Pepita and Lev Ivanov infused new life into the choreography and music of Swan Lake, cutting out all the complicated movements and music and keeping it simple yet beautiful. It’s this beloved revision that will be performed at Best of Swan Lake next month.
This revised version still retains all the themes of love, fidelity, and humanity that make Swan Lake a revered ballet.
Why is this performance a must-watch?
The Best of Swan Lake show is only in Dubai for one day but there will be three different performances throughout the day at 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. The Best of Swan Lake is being brought to Dubai as part of Worldstars’ Etoile Ballet Gala project – a touring ballet programme that showcases world-class performances by some of the world’s most skilled ballet dancers.