Ballet Arizona brings romantic ‘Swan Lake’ to life

Ballet Arizona brings romantic ‘Swan Lake’ to life
The Phoenix Symphony accompanies with Tchaikovsky
by LeeAnn Sharpe

If you were to see only one ballet in your entire life, it would have to be Ballet Arizona’s lavish production of “Swan Lake,” regarded by many as the greatest of all classical ballets. With choreography by Olga Evreinoff and Ib Andersen following Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s classic interpretation, “Swan Lake” will be performed Nov. 3‑5 at Symphony Hall with The Phoenix Symphony conducted by Timothy Russell.

“Swan Lake” is the ultimate fairy tale portraying the tragic romance between the Swan Queen and Prince Siegfried, complete with a moonlit lake, swan maidens, and mystifying wizardry. First performed at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow in 1877 with a specially commissioned score by Tchaikovsky, “Swan Lake” did not open to critical acclaim. However, Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov staged a tribute to Tchaikovsky in 1895, which became the definitive version. Since that time, countless choreographers have staged versions of this classic.

“‘Swan Lake’ immediately brings to mind beautiful choreography and the music of Tchaikovsky,” states Ballet Arizona Artistic Director Ib Andersen. “The combination of his score with the work of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov are the reasons why, season after season, ‘Swan Lake’ continues to be one of the most famous and crowd‑pleasing ballets.”



Choreographer Olga Evreinoff, of St. Petersburg’s famed Vaganova Ballet Academy, regularly coached for many of the world’s best companies, including The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, the Royal Swedish, and Royal Danish Ballets. She practices traditional Russian ballet technique with grander, more dramatic moves appropriate to “Swan Lake.”

To grant further insight of the production, Ballet Arizona offers a pre‑performance chat 45 minutes before the show to provide background information and firsthand knowledge of the ballet. Artistic Director Ib Andersen will participate in this part of the ballet’s presentation, which is open to all interested ticket holders. A short question and answer session is included in the discussion.

Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” is one of the most fulfilling and memorable experiences you can share with friends and family, offering riveting entertainment for young and old alike.

As part of Ballet Arizona’s ongoing commitment to education, over 2000 students from schools throughout the Valley are expected to attend the November 2 student matinee, which includes a post‑performance question‑and‑answer session between dancers and the students.

Phoenix is truly blessed with a symphony and conductor who can make the music come to life, with emotion so powerful it can take your breath away. Performing this powerful production of “Swan Lake,” Ballet Arizona, now in its 21st season, unites pure, romantic music with brilliant choreography. “Swan Lake” is about passion and the power of young love, of deceit and treachery.

And much more than the dancing and music put Ballet Arizona’s magnificent production on the stage. Lighting design by Michael Korsch adds immeasurably to the mood, while the scenery, as presented by David Walker, courtesy of the Texas Ballet Theater, assures audiences of the perfect setting. The lavish costumes which bring so much life to the ballet are designed by Peter Cazalet in Act I & II, Scene 1 and Acts I & II, and by Zack Brown in Scene 2, (courtesy of Atlanta Ballet).

Symphony Hall is located in downtown Phoenix at 75 North 2nd Street. Performances are November 3 at 8 p.m., Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. Tickets run from $10 to $104, with special reduced pricing for Saturday matinees. Children 12 and under are admitted for 50 percent off for all shows. Discounts are also available for seniors, students, K‑12 teachers, active duty military, and groups of 10 or more. For tickets, call Ballet Arizona at (602) 381‑1096, or Ticketmaster at (480) 784‑4444. The Ballet Arizona box office is located at 3645 East Indian School Road in Phoenix, and is open Mon.‑Fri. 9 a.m.‑4:30 p.m. Tickets are also available at any Ticketmaster Outlet located in Fry’s Marketplace, Wherehouse Music, Tower Records; and online at www.balletaz.org or www.ticketmaster.com.