Swan Lake Glides Into Adelaide

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The Australian Ballet is back with the ultimate classic, Swan Lake. Fresh from Sydney, the company brings resident choreographer Stephen Baynes’ Swan Lake to Adelaide from 26th May 2016. Originally created in 2012 to mark the 50th anniversary of The Australian Ballet, this visually stunning production holds a special place in the company’s heart – Swan Lake was the first ballet ever danced by The Australian Ballet, in 1962 at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Sydney. This production is a traditional style ballet, providing the perfect counterpoint to some of the more modern interpretations of contemporary ballet.
This production, being revived by the company in 2016, with music performance by the much-loved Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, has not been stage in Adelaide since 2013 when it was received to great acclaim. An ageless ballet that has enchanted audiences for centuries, Baynes combines grand scale and psychological intimacy. His treatment of Swan Lake is a reverential reimagining, respecting the traditions and techniques of classical ballet.
The powerful work is complemented by Hugh Colman’s designs, which pit Edwardian glamour against the spectral beauty of the white acts. The celebrated costume and set designer showcases his love of the classics with this heritage production. His extravagant and lavish designs further heighten the drama of the tragic love story.

From the festive Edwardian costumes of the court to the spectacular ice-blue tutus of 24 swans on the moonlit lake, this production will captivate audiences of all ages. An integral part of Swan Lake is Tchaikovsky’s score, one of ballet’s most recognisable pieces of music. Commissioned in 1875, it reportedly took the Russian composer a year to complete. From the first yearning bars, the music takes audiences to another world. With its bewitched Swan Queen, doomed Prince, and velvety rich score, Swan Lake is the ultimate night at the ballet for seasoned ticket holders and newcomers alike. Swan Lake made its debut in Moscow in 1877and is one of the world’s most performed ballets. This is the fourth interpretation to enter The Australian Ballet’s repertoire.

In its various incarnations, Swan Lake has been danced by the company 612 times, making it the most frequently performed ballet in the Company’s history. This is the 20th work that Baynes has created for The Australian Ballet and his third full-length ballet. Baynes studied at The Australian Ballet School before joining the company in 1976. He first experimented with movement in 1986, creating Strauss Songs, a piece that won an Australian Ballet choreographic competition.

Swan Lake heads to Melbourne after Adelaide from 7th – 18th June 2016.

When: 26th – 31st May 2016

Where: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre

Tickets: From $41

Info: 30th May Q&A after show, 31st May (11:30am – 12:30pm) Behind the scenes look at the life of a dancer. Watch the Company take their daily morning class, and then see two lead dancers in a private coaching session. (Tickets $19 – $29)

Links:

https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/shows/tab-swan-lake/

https://australianballet.com.au/the-ballets/swan-lake-2016

https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/ballet/swan-lake