‘Swan Lake’ may be one of the most famous ballets in the entire world, but it’s never been seen quite like this.
Chocolate Ballerina Company will be performing the first-ever all-Black production of ‘Swan Lake,’ but before the premiere, Philadelphians can catch a public preview of the show, titled ‘The Black Swan Revealed.’
Founded by Chanel Holland, the contemporary community-based dance organization’s main goal is to support the hidden talents of youth and adult artists of color in the Philadelphia region and illustrate the struggles and successes of African-American culture through dance. And to start her dream, Holland saved every check she made to start the CBC, and her tenacity has led to the company’s opening just a few years ago, and now the preview performance this weekend.
‘The Black Swan Revealed’ will feature original choreography to the classic Tchaikovsky ballet and will serve as a preview of the company’s future full-length production, a release states. The celebratory event will take place June 10-11, at The Performance Garage (1515 Brandywine Street, Studio B) with the curtain rising at 8 p.m.
“We are thrilled to present this preview performance of Chocolate Ballerina Company’s take on this incredible master work,” noted company founder Chanel Holland in a statement. “Audience members can expect an evening of passion and celebration as we prepare for our future full-length staging of Swan Lake.”
While there, spectators can catch the all-Black staging of the highly-popular production featuring choreography from premier choreographers. Those who head to the preview will be among the first to get a preview of the show, plus eligible youth in attendance can also enter to win a scholarship to Chocolate Ballerina Company’s signature Ballet Bootcamp program, which runs June 20-24.
‘Swan Lake’ follows Odette and Prince Siegfried, doomed star-crossed lovers who are trying to overcome the forces of an evil sorcerer. The show lets its story unfold through a series of powerful and evocative dances, with the most popular perhaps being ‘Dance of the Cygnets’, and of course, the haunting ‘Dying Swan’ solo.
The full-length production of the show will be announced however, on a later date. And this follows suit for Chocolate Ballerina Company, which last year debuted the Philadelphia region’s first all-Black production of ‘The Nutcracker’ to audience acclaim. ‘Swan Lake’ will be the company’s second full-length production, and will hit the stage in early 2023.
Chocolate Ballerina Company offers free dance classes, outreach programs, pop-up performances, masterclasses, and more, both digitally and in-person. The classes are for active and inactive artists who seek professional training, and by attending a free dance class, participants will spend an hour and a half learning a mixture of ballet—contemporary form and technical training.
For information on the Chocolate Ballerina Company, visit chocolateballerinacompany.com. Tickets to “The Black Swan Revealed” can be purchased on Eventbrite.
