Creator: Xi’an Acrobatic Troupe
The classic ballet Swan Lake, with its renowned score and famous characters, is brought to life in an entirely new style in this acrobatic production.
While remaining faithful to the timeless tale, this production dares to take it to new heights, with the inclusion of acrobatics. Its inspiration draws from classical ballet, traditional Chinese acrobatics and elements of Peking Opera, in both its characterisation and visuals.
The stunts of this show are truly breathtaking. Impressive is an understatement to describe the skill and talent of the performers on stage. Featuring acts of aerial hoop that lift the performers to new heights and creating beautiful height dynamics in ensemble numbers, gymnastics are incorporated into the classical dance. There’s contortion, too, that is excellently styled to the scenes and most excitingly acrobalance, where the leading dancer of Odette, stuns the audience performing en pointe moves upon the dancer of Siegfried. It is magnificent and elevates the already elegant choreography of Swan Lake. The dancers dazzle with these incredible acts throughout, always leaving the audience questioning what will come next.
The costume design resembles classical interpretations of Swan Lake, however, the allowance for further agility for the performers is achieved gracefully. A particular costume design that stands out is that in Dance of the Little Frogs.
This number is rarely included in classic productions but adds a touch of whimsy to the otherwise serious plot. The frog costumes feature clever usage of illusion. While the costuming is not particularly creative, the entirety of fantastic feats in the production means attention is not often drawn solely to costuming.
This production is truly unlike any other adaptation of Swan Lake, creatively taking the story to new heights, figuratively and literally. It is a production unlikely to be forgotten by any who attend.
Runs until 29 June 2024
