Swan Lake
The classic retold for a new generation
Lose yourself in the raw intensity of this sleek and unmissable ballet, finally returning to Scotland after its sell-out 2016 debut.
The strong, graceful Odette captivates young and lonely Siegfried, their duets are powered by emotional honesty. She flies across the stage towards him, flanked by shifting formations of swans. But Siegfried mistakenly betrays his love for the fierce passion of Odile, who whips the air around her into a thrilling physical and psychological frenzy.
Arching backs, spiralling arms and mesmerising patterns push the company dancers to their physical limits in this tale of purity versus seduction. David Dawson’s daring, visceral choreography is perfectly paired with the rich, romantic Tchaikovsky score, played live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.
Originally scheduled in 2020, this long-awaited return of the world’s most famous ballet, performed by Scotland’s national dance company is sure to be the hottest ticket of the season.
Running time: The performance lasts approximately two hours including one 20-minute interval.
#SBSwanLake
Tour Dates
Theatre Royal, Glasgow
4 – 6 April 2024
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
18 – 20 April 2024
Eden Court, Inverness
26 – 27 April 2024
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
2 – 4 May 2024
Electrifying
The List
Thrilling
The Herald
Sleek and stylish
The Times
Vigorous, vivacious
Sunday Times
Credits
Choreographer
David Dawson
Costume Designer
Yumiko Takeshima
Set Designer
John Otto
Lighting Designer
Bert Dalhuysen
Composer
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Access
Audio Described Performances
In each venue we offer an Audio Described performance on the Saturday afternoon for people with visual impairments. These performances are preceded by a Touch Tour.
Access
Find out more about Scottish Ballet’s access offering from performances and films, to classes and visiting our building.
Behind the scenes
Dig deeper into David Dawson’s Swan Lake with our behind-the-scenes photography and films.
Find out moreSynopsis
Act 1
Part One
Part One Siegfried is alone, longing to find his place in the world. His closest friend, Benno, is having a celebration, but Siegfried is consumed by his feelings of being the outsider. The party continues elsewhere, but Siegfried ventures out alone in search of what is missing within.
Part Two
Siegfried sees a beautiful swan on a lake. Goddess-like, she is the swan queen, Odette, replenishing her powers from the waters of the lake. Siegfried approaches her and the two are enchanted by each other.
Siegfried finds himself surrounded by a flock of swans radiating the spirit of Odette.
The night draws to an end and Odette tells Siegfried she must depart before daybreak. To ensure they will meet again, she entrusts to him a precious stone.
Act 2
Part Three
Benno is holding a formal party, where he attempts to play the role of matchmaker for Siegfried. As the party progresses, Siegfried politely dances with each of Benno’s guests. But Siegfried is excited to tell Benno that he has already found his soulmate. He shows Benno the precious stone and explains his promise to Odette.
Suddenly, an uninvited group arrive led by a beautiful woman, Odile. Swept away by Odile’s charisma, Siegfried is certain she is Odette and tells Benno that this is the woman that he has fallen in love with.
As the evening reaches its climax, Siegfried declares his love for Odile and foolishly offers her the precious stone. Odile seizes the jewel and abandons the party. Siegfried is left stunned and humiliated.
Realising that he has betrayed the trust of Odette he runs desperately back to the lake.
Part Four
Siegfried arrives at the lake broken and exhausted. He searches for Odette and eventually she appears. She senses his distress but is unaware of his betrayal.
He tells Odette of his error and pleads for her forgiveness, but her trust has been broken and so she can never see him again.
Odette embraces him for the last time before she and the swans disappear forever.
Siegfried is left once again to face his future alone.