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 ballet is elaborated with a fantasy tale of true love and the triumph of good over evil.
The ballet’s first performance took place at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow on 20 February 1877 with choreography by Julius Reisinger. Although it is presented in many different productions the basic structure of Swan Lake remains largely intact. The ballet consists of four acts with Tchaikovsky’s music arranged for the choreography by Lev Ivanov and Riccardo Drigo.
The story of Swan Lake is based on a Russian folktale known as “The White Swan” which was first collected by Alexander Afanasyev in his 18th-century work The Russian Folk Tales. The Swan Lake ballet scenario was adapted for the ballet by Vladimir Petipa and Sergei Ivanov with additional input from Reisinger.
The Swan Lake story revolves around the love between Prince Siegfried and Odette a young princess who has been turned into a swan by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart. Siegfried encounters Odette one evening as she is weeping by the lake and he is immediately struck by her beauty. He pledges his love to her and she agrees to meet him the following night.
However Von Rothbart arrives and seizing the opportunity he casts a spell that transforms Odette into a swan. When Siegfried returns the following night he is distraught to find that his beloved has transformed into a swan.
Fortunately Von Rothbart is not all-powerful and there is a ray of hope – if Siegfried can remain faithful to Odette and declare his love for her the spell will be broken and she will return to her human form.
The ballet features some of Tchaikovsky’s most famous music including the “Swan Theme” – the leitmotif of the swans – which recurs throughout the ballet. Other well-known pieces include the “Dance of the Little Swans” and the “Black Swan Pas de deux”.
Swan Lake remains one of the most popular ballets and is regularly performed by ballet companies around the world.
What ballet is Swan Lake based on?
Swan Lake is based on a Russian ballet of the same name.
When was Swan Lake first performed?
Swan Lake was first performed in 1877.
Who composed the music for Swan Lake?
Tchaikovsky composed the music for Swan Lake.
Who choreographed the original production of Swan Lake?
Julius Reisinger choreographed the original production of Swan Lake.
What is the story of Swan Lake about?
The story of Swan Lake is about a prince who falls in love with a swan who has been turned into a woman by an evil sorcerer.
How many acts are there in Swan Lake?
There are four acts in Swan Lake.
What is the name of the prince in Swan Lake?
The name of the prince in Swan Lake is Siegfried.
What is the name of the swan woman in Swan Lake?
The name of the swan woman in Swan Lake is Odette.
Who turns Odette into a swan in Swan Lake?
Odette is turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer in Swan Lake.
Can Odette turn back into a human woman?
Yes Odette can turn back into a human woman if she finds true love.
Does Siegfried find true love?
Yes Siegfried does find true love and he and Odette are together at the end of Swan Lake.
Does the evil sorcerer get his comeuppance in Swan Lake?
Yes the evil sorcerer does get his comeuppance in Swan Lake and he is defeated by Siegfried and Odette.
Is Swan Lake a happy ending?
Yes Swan Lake does have a happy ending.
What is the most famous dance in Swan Lake?
The most famous dance in Swan Lake is the Black Swan pas de deux.
What ballet company is Swan Lake most associated with?
The ballet company most associated with Swan Lake is the Mariinsky Ballet.
