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Swan Lake

The classic retold for a new generation

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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.

 

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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


Watch the trailer

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

Access

Synopsis

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.