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Swan Lake: Royal Opera House:
Swan Lake: Royal Opera House plays at Royal Opera House
Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD
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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 Faberge create a magical setting.
With instantly recognizable music and a timeless story of good against evil, Swan Lake is the greatest of Romantic ballets. Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting. When one of the swans turns into a beautiful woman he is instantly captivated – will his love prove strong enough to break the evil spell that she is under?
The twinned role of the pure White Swan and the scheming, duplicitous Black Swan tests the full range of a ballerina's powers, particularly in the two great pas de deux of Acts II and III. Other highlights include the charming Dance of the Little Swans performed by a moonlit lake and sweeping ballroom waltzes in the splendour of the royal palace.
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