Swan Lake

With its rare symbiosis of romanticism, choreography, and music, Swan Lake ranks at or near the top of every ballet lover's favorites list; but in addition to the usual thrills, local audiences are in for a special treat with the upcoming Colorado Ballet production.

Maria Mosina as Odette Photo: Allen Birnbach

Without forgoing the through line of the famous Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov choreography (which turned the initially unsuccessful work into a hit), a couple of innovations have been added—updated by two of today's premier ballet masters, Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner, former principal dancers with American Ballet Theatre—including new choreography for the Act I waltz scene.

"We wanted to make it fresh," says artistic director Gil Boggs. "You often see this scene done with a maypole, and we've choreographed a circular motion, as if the maypole was there, but it isn't. I think it breathes new life into the production."

Also, the princess' dance with the prince in the third act is brand new, and the fourth act, though it follows the traditional storyline, is comprised of entirely new choreography, including six black swans plus the usual white retinue.

"If you're a Swan Lake aficionado, you'll enjoy this version immensely," Boggs promises. "In addition to the new choreography, we have three very different ballerinas dancing the role."

Maria Mosina as Odile Photo: Allen Birnbach

Odette/Odile and Prince Siegfried will be danced alternately by Maria Mosina and Igor Vassine, Sharon Wehner and Koichi Kubo (who has returned to the company), and Chandra Kuykendall and Alexei Tyukov.

The ballet is filled with other choice dances as well, including the Spanish, Neapolitan, Hungarian, and Mazurka, which offer further opportunities to showcase the company's depth.

Performances are scheduled for:

Saturday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.

To order tickets, call 303-837-8888 or on the web at www.coloradoballet.org.

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