Classical ballet was truly mesmerising

Swan Lake by Moscow Ballet: La Classique was a beautiful production at the Palace Theatre, Newark. I’m no ballet expert but I was truly mesmerised from start to finish.

The backdrop of the Palace walls and lake made it clear where the story was set and were very intricate. The costumes were fantastic and only added to the spectacle. Odette and Odile’s black and white costumes were breathtaking.

Prince Siegfried, having come of age, is looking for a bride when he encounters the beautiful Odette who by day lives as a swan after being cursed by the sorcerer Von Rothbart who takes the form of a menacing black bird.

Falling in love with Odette the Prince promises to be faithful to her but at a ball held by his mother to introduce him to prospective wives, the evil Rothbart introduces his daughter Odile (the Black Swan) to the Prince who mistakes her for Odette and declares she is the one he wishes to wed. Realising his mistake the prince hurries to find Odette but it is too late.

Odette/Odile’s performance was beautiful and completely flawless. The famous dance of the cygnets was one of the most technical parts of the production and showed the class and style of the dancers involved.

All in all an exceptional performance thoroughly recommended — SB.