The story of Princess Odette, transformed into a swan by the evil Rothbart, continues to captivate audiences around the world. It is a cornerstone of every major theatre and, alongside The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet, has for many decades been one of the most frequently performed classical ballets. The best-known version is the one created in 1895 by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov.

Since then, the ballet has undergone numerous adaptations, with individual productions differing in many respects—whether in the libretto, stage design, or choreography itself. Nevertheless, in most cases, especially in the “white acts,” they are derived from Lev Ivanov’s choreography.

This is also the case with our Swan Lake, staged for our company by Canadian choreographer Paul Chalmer. The sets and costumes were designed by internationally acclaimed Italian artist Domenico Franchi.

As for the eternal debate about the ending of the ballet—whether it concludes tragically or with a happy ending—you will have to wait and see.