The Ukrainian Classical Ballet performance of Swan Lake (Labodje Jezero) last night was spectacular! I was mesmerized by the strength, skill, and precision of the talented dancers. Swan Lake ballet is a “timeless love story – mixing magic, tragedy, and romance in four acts“.
Prima ballerina Ganna Muromtseva performed in the “virtuoso double female lead role” as Odette / Odile. Vladislav Melnik was young, carefree Prince Siegfried, and Ivan Zhuravlev portrayed the evil sorcerer Baron von Rothbart.
The ballet was the first performance I’ve seen at Cankarjev Dom Gallus Hall. The venue was nearly sold out. The modern exterior of Ljubljana’s cultural center (aka CD dom) isn’t that imposing when compared to other stunning architecture throughout the city. However, its massive interior is amazing, and the acoustic system is one of the best I’ve heard.
“Swan Lake is a ballet of unsurpassed beauty and perfection. Set to the dramatic music of P. I. Tchaikovsky, it’s become the most beloved and bewitching of the classical ballets. The unity of a German folktale, Russian composer, and French choreographer gave world culture this masterpiece, a diamond of ballet art.” balletukraine.com
The ballet was performed to recorded music, not accompanied by a live symphony orchestra. Even so, Tchaikovsky’s “unforgettable and emotional composition” is a favorite of ballet and symphonic lovers the world over.
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“Despite exceptional conditions due to covid 19 restrictions and the beginning of Russian aggression, Ukrainian Classical Ballet managed to dance ninety shows in Italy, Slovakia, Croatia, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway during the 2021/22 season.” balletukraine.com
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“Swan Lake tells the story of Prince Siegfried who falls in love with Princess Odette. Under a spell cast by evil sorcerer Baron von Rothbart, Odette and her companions are transformed into swans. During the day, they gracefully glide on a lake, but at night, they return to their human form.”
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It was a memorable evening in picturesque Ljubljana.