On Thursday, February 20, audiences across the U.S. will be able to experience Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky’s first score in the legendary ballet “Swan Lake,” which remains one of the most popular ballets of all time and one of the most challenging dancing for the corps.
American Nehemiah Kish will be dancing the role of Prince Siegfried as well as the charming Dance of the Little Swans performed by a moonlit lake and sweeping ballroom waltzes in the splendor of the royal palace.
French principal ballet dancer, Zenaida Yanowsky joined The Royal Ballet in 1994. One of her signature roles to date still includes her dancing the role of the Swan in Swan Lake. Both of her parents were dancers with Lyon Opera Ballet, and as a small child she often accompanied them on tour. Two of Yanowsky’s siblings are also dancers; her older brother Yury is a principal with Boston Ballet and younger sister Nadia a soloist with Dutch National Ballet.
“Swan Lake” is part of the 2014 Royal Ballet Cinema Season and is presented by Fathom Events, Anthony Dowell, Arts Alliance Media and the Royal Opera House. The twinned role of the pure White Swan and the scheming, duplicitous Black Swan tests the full range of a ballerina’s powers.
Anthony Dowell’s romantic interpretation returns the ballet to its 1895 origins by using the choreography of Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa. Dramatic costumes emphasize the contrast between human and spirit worlds, while glowing lanterns, shimmering fabrics and designs inspired by the work of Carl Fabergé create a magical setting.