State Ballet of Georgia, Swan Lake, Coliseum
The prestigious State Ballet of Georgia makes its first ever visit to London with its lavish production of the ballet classic Swan Lake
State Ballet of Georgia in Swan Lake
For the first time in its 175-year history, the State Ballet of Georgia - that's the Caucasian Republic of Georgia, not the US state of the same name – pays a visit to London, bringing its acclaimed production of Swan Lake. The Tbilisi-based company had visited to UK before to perform at the 2008 Edinburgh International Festival; but the London Coliseum has the privilege of hosting its first visit to the capital.
With its exacting, virtuoso Russian schooling and style, the 70-strong State Ballet of Georgia is rated among the 10 best classical ballet companies in the world, and has been reaching new heights under the directorship of the former Bolshoi and American Ballet Theatre prima ballerina Nina Ananiashvili. Those of us lucky enough to have seen her dance in London will never forget her transporting artistry.
There are many reasons why Swan Lake is among the best loved and most performed ballets in the world. The choreography, by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, is inspired.
There is Tchaikovsky's glorious score, of course – for these performances at the Coliseum it will be played live by English National Opera Orchestra. Then there's the compelling love story between a melancholy prince and a bewitched princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer. Two versions of the finale exist: a happy ending, and a not so happy one. In both love is glorified, but we're not sure which one this company has opted for.
There is the sheer magic of the white Acts II and IV, with their impeccably marshalled flocks of swans dancing by the dreamy, moonlit lakeside. And then there is the central figure of Odette/Odile, a tour de force for any ballerina, who has to be the good, loving Swan Princess Odette in Acts II and IV and her evil, seductive double, the Black Swan Odile, in Act III.
Prince Siegfried has to be a solid partner, as well as an excellent dancer to meet the virtuoso demands of the Black Swan pas de deux.
In short, there is much to enjoy. For Ananiashvili, this is a very special ballet. As she recalls: 'It was the first ballet that I performed in the Bolshoi Theatre and was my first and final significant performance at American Ballet Theatre.'
Principal casting will be announced closer to the time. Watch this space.
With its exacting, virtuoso Russian schooling and style, the 70-strong State Ballet of Georgia is rated among the 10 best classical ballet companies in the world, and has been reaching new heights under the directorship of the former Bolshoi and American Ballet Theatre prima ballerina Nina Ananiashvili. Those of us lucky enough to have seen her dance in London will never forget her transporting artistry.
There are many reasons why Swan Lake is among the best loved and most performed ballets in the world. The choreography, by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, is inspired.
There is Tchaikovsky's glorious score, of course – for these performances at the Coliseum it will be played live by English National Opera Orchestra. Then there's the compelling love story between a melancholy prince and a bewitched princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer. Two versions of the finale exist: a happy ending, and a not so happy one. In both love is glorified, but we're not sure which one this company has opted for.
There is the sheer magic of the white Acts II and IV, with their impeccably marshalled flocks of swans dancing by the dreamy, moonlit lakeside. And then there is the central figure of Odette/Odile, a tour de force for any ballerina, who has to be the good, loving Swan Princess Odette in Acts II and IV and her evil, seductive double, the Black Swan Odile, in Act III.
Prince Siegfried has to be a solid partner, as well as an excellent dancer to meet the virtuoso demands of the Black Swan pas de deux.
In short, there is much to enjoy. For Ananiashvili, this is a very special ballet. As she recalls: 'It was the first ballet that I performed in the Bolshoi Theatre and was my first and final significant performance at American Ballet Theatre.'
Principal casting will be announced closer to the time. Watch this space.
TRY CULTURE WHISPER
Receive free tickets & insider tips to unlock the best of London — direct to your inbox
| What | State Ballet of Georgia, Swan Lake, Coliseum |
| Where | London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, , London , WC2N 4ES | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Charing Cross (underground) |
| When |
28 Aug 24 – 08 Sep 24, 19:30 Mats Thu, Sat & Sun at 14:30 Dur.: 2 hours 15 mins inc one interval |
| Price | £90-£129 (concessions for children 5-15 yo) |
| Website | Click here to book |