Swan Lake

A Ballet Dream: "Swan Lake"

The International Festival Ballet presents a feast of beauty, elegance, and grace. A masterpiece accompanied by a live orchestra.

Music: P. I. Tchaikovsky
Choreography: L. Ivanov and M. Petipa
Editor: Alex Bogutsky

Set Design and Costumes: V. Okunev

The International Festival Ballet brings to the stage one of the most famous ballets, "Swan Lake," set to the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

For many, "Swan Lake" is synonymous with ballet itself. The romantic tale of Prince Siegfried, who falls in love with the Swan Princess Odette and seeks to free her from the evil curse of the sorcerer Rothbart, is a story about the power of true love.

This ballet is a staple of every major ballet company’s repertoire. Particularly, the Allegro Moderato from the swan dances in Act II, choreographed by Lev Ivanov, has been the subject of countless parodies and is widely recognized as the "Dance of the Little Swans," even beyond the ballet-loving audience. In short: a brilliant work by a brilliant composer that has captivated audiences for centuries.

"Swan Lake" is brought to life by one of the best classical ballet ensembles, the International Festival Ballet. Complemented by the magnificent stage design of the ingenious theater designer Vyacheslav Okunev—renowned for his work with the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg and La Scala in Milan—the exquisite costumes, boundless elegance, and effortless grace of the ballet company create a dreamlike and magical rendition of this classical ballet, which continues to fascinate audiences even after more than 100 years.

International Festival Ballet Ensemble
Artistic Director: Alex Bogutsky

Shocked and deeply affected by the inhumane war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine, the renowned ballet company has changed its name to the International Festival Ballet.

International Festival Ballet

With this change, the artists make their stance clear. The International Festival Ballet stands for art without borders and promotes understanding and coexistence through the poetry of art, music, and dance. Since the beginning of the war, the artists have expressed their position against Russian aggression with numerous protests before every performance, which has led to threats from Russia. The ensemble, which includes many Ukrainian dancers, considers itself a ballet of peace and solidarity among all nations.

Artistically, the ballet represents the Russian school of classical ballet in its purest form. Strict elegance, combined with modern influences of the 21st century, results in a world-class dance performance—all enhanced by stunning costumes and opulent stage designs.

In the new season, the International Festival Ballet will once again present a unique gem of classical ballet: "Swan Lake".

The timeless ballet classics by Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky are celebrated worldwide and enchant audiences of all ages. Everyone knows the romantic story of "Swan Lake" with the White Swan and Black Swan, a symbol of the elegance of classical ballet at its highest level. The centuries-old tale of "Sleeping Beauty," in which only a prince’s love can awaken the princess from her slumber, has captivated audiences for generations. And the story of "The Nutcracker" provides the perfect winter and Christmas magic for the entire family. The unique performances of the International Festival Ballet bring these beloved ballets to life with breathtaking beauty and perfection.

Classical ballet has a long tradition in Eastern Europe, which is still maintained today. The region has produced many famous prima ballerinas, dancers, and choreographers. The renowned Russian ballet schools are known for their high standards and strict discipline, while their students are recognized for their ambition, dedication, and extraordinary talent.

The 42 dancers of the International Festival Ballet have all undergone this rigorous training, whether at the Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg, the Moscow Choreographic Academy, the ballet school in Ufa, or the Perm Ballet Academy. They have performed at major ballet theaters in Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova and have won numerous awards at international ballet festivals and competitions. Together, they form one of the most aesthetically and technically accomplished ballet companies in Eastern Europe and, as part of the International Festival Ballet, have gained global acclaim. In addition to their precise dance technique, this high-caliber ensemble is known for its harmonious overall aesthetic and elegant lightness. The International Festival Ballet captivates with flawless dance performances that leave audiences breathless.

FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA
Artistic Director & Conductor: Normunds Vaicis

The Festival Orchestra was founded by talented musicians from Moldova, Ukraine, and Latvia. Its artistic director and chief conductor is the renowned Normunds Vaicis.

The orchestra's repertoire includes works by Ravel, Debussy, Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Massenet, Fauré, Albeniz, Gounod, and many others. Music from classical ballets such as "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," "Sleeping Beauty," "Giselle," and "Don Quixote" is a central part of their performances.

The orchestra has collaborated with renowned ballet ensembles from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. It has successfully toured in France, the UK, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and other European countries, establishing itself as one of the finest ballet orchestras in Europe, despite its relatively small size. In the near future, it will perform Russian ballet seasons for the prestigious International Festival Ballet in Scandinavia, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, and Austria.

Program and cast