Swan Lake
Classical ballet
Tchaikovsky's romantic tragedy and one of the most performed ballets worldwide.
About This Theme
Swan Lake is the ultimate classical ballet, and bringing it to your recital stage connects your students to over a century of dance tradition. The music is gorgeous, the story is dramatic, and the white tutu aesthetic is eternally elegant. While a full Swan Lake is ambitious, the ballet works beautifully in adapted form. The famous Dance of the Little Swans (cygnets) is manageable for intermediate students, while advanced dancers can tackle the Black Swan pas de deux.
Swan Lake teaches your students what classical ballet is all about. The port de bras, the formations, the partnering - it is all there. Parents see their children performing "real ballet" and feel the investment in lessons is worthwhile. The contrast between white and black swans also creates natural dramatic tension. Your audience does not need to know the full story to feel the difference between Odette's gentle grace and Odile's sharp seduction.
Age Groups & Casting
Key Roles & Characters
Song Suggestions
Costume Ideas
White romantic tutus for the corps de ballet swans - the layered tulle creates that classic Swan Lake silhouette. Add feather headpieces and perhaps feather trim on bodices for detail.
Odette wears white with a crown or tiara. Odile wears black with more dramatic makeup and a black tiara. The contrast should be immediately visible.
Prince Siegfried wears a classic prince costume - doublet style top with tights. Von Rothbart needs something dramatic - dark colours with cape or wing-like elements.
Staging & Set Ideas
A lakeside backdrop is traditional - moonlit water with reeds or trees. Blue and white lighting creates the magical nighttime atmosphere.
Key moments: The lakeside scene needs atmospheric lighting more than elaborate sets. The ballroom scene can use drapes and perhaps thrones for the royal family. Von Rothbart's appearances work well with dramatic lighting changes.
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