January 2018 - Let Us Entertain You: Swan Lake

Back by popular demand, Russian National Ballet Theatre returns with their production of Swan Lake. Choreographers Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov, and Yuri Grigorovich bring a graceful revival to this ballet. The performers use dance to tell a fairy tale filled with love, betrayal, and magic.Russian National Ballet Theatre brings their performance of Swan Lake to Popejoy Hall on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky finished composing Swan Lake by 1876, but the story’s folk tale origins remain a mystery. Many historians believe the ballet was based on the German folk tale “The Stolen Veil” and Russian folk tale “The White Ducks,” though the true inspiration behind Tchaikovsky’s ballet remains unknown.

The story begins with Prince Siegfried, who wanders into the forest on the night of his birthday and discovers a flock of swans. The swans magically transform into women, lead by The Swan Queen, Odette. She explains to the prince that the women are under an evil curse that turns them to swans during the day, and the curse can only be broken by an oath of true love. Enchanted by Odette, Siegfried swears set the women free.

This highly-acclaimed dance ensemble travels the world with their beautiful productions. Since their formation in 1989, the company’s goal has been to share the rich heritage of Russian ballet with the world. Their incredible repertoire includes classic shows like Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty.

Tickets for Russian National Ballet Theatre will be on sale for $79, $65, $49, and $20. Tickets can be purchased at UNM Ticket Offices at the UNM Bookstore and Dreamstyle Arena (The Pit). Tickets can be purchased online at popejoypresents.com or unmtickets.com.