Swan Lake is a ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875–76. Despite its initial failure it is now one of the most popular of all ballets. The scenario initially in two acts was fashioned from Russian folk tales and tells the story of Odette a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse. The choreographer of Swan Lake was Julius Reisinger.
The ballet was first performed by the Bolshoi Ballet on February 20 1877 at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Although it was not initially well received it has now become one of the most beloved ballets of all time with performances by practically every major ballet company around the world.
The music of Swan Lake is some of the most beautiful and well-known in all of classical ballet. Tchaikovsky’s score includes such memorable pieces as the “Dance of the Little Swans” and the “Black Swan Pas de Deux.” The latter is particularly famous for its 32 fouetté turns a virtuosic display of ballet technique that is both awe-inspiring and breathtaking.
The story of Swan Lake is based on a Russian folk tale which was first brought to the ballet stage in 1877. The basic plot revolves around the curse of an evil sorcerer Von Rothbart who turns the beautiful princess Odette into a swan. She can only return to her human form if she finds true love. However Von Rothbart also has a daughter Odile who he tricks Prince Siegfried into believing is Odette. When Siegfried professes his love for Odile Von Rothbart’s curse is broken and Odette is transformed back into a human.
The ballet Swan Lake is one of the most enduring and popular ballets of all time. It is a timeless story of love loss and redemption that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
What is the name of the ballet?
Swan Lake
Who composed the music for the ballet?
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
What is the setting for the ballet?
A lake in a forest
What is the story of the ballet about?
Prince Siegfried falls in love with Odette a beautiful maiden who has been turned into a swan by Von Rothbart.
Who turns Odette into a swan?
Von Rothbart
How can Von Rothbart be defeated?
Only by true love
What is the ballet’s most famous dance move?
The 32 fouettés
When was the ballet first performed?
1877
In what country was the ballet first performed?
Russia
How many acts are in the ballet?
Four
What is the name of the dance performed by Odette and Siegfried in the first act?
The White Swan Pas de Deux
What do the swans represent in the ballet?
They represent purity and grace
What is the name of the dance performed by Odette and Siegfried in the second act?
The Black Swan Pas de Deux
In the ballet what does the black swan represent?
The black swan represents temptation and seduction
What is the name of the dance performed by Odette and Siegfried in the third act?
The Pas de Deux
