Swan Lake- review

Performed by the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre, which upholds Russia's reputation for producing world class corps de ballet, it was a delight to behold.

In the opening scene the young dancers joyfully frolicked across the stage in beautiful costumes which drew inspiration from Russia's heritage. I was slightly underwhelmed by the scenery at first but as the love story between Prince Siegfried and the mysterious swan maiden, Odette progressed the costumes and scenery grew more dazzling.

The jester, not only inspired my laughter but also my awe as he leapt and twisted across the stage and black swan was a bewitching presence to the very end.

The prince also drew my eye but rather for his unusual height then his dancing. He towered at least a foot above his partner and in fact most of the other performers. This did tend to distract from his dancing and that of others around him and made him stick out rather awkwardly at points.

For me the main attraction was undoubtedly the swans. They appeared as a cloud of white feather, floating across the stillness of a midnight blue lake. And my heart soared with excitement when the I heard the first few strains of the famous Danse des petits cygnes also known as the Dance of the Little Swans.

Even if you aren't familiar with the story you will probably recognise Tchaikovsky's music which has timeless brilliance and be drawn into the magic of a truly beautiful experience.