Philadelphia Ballet to showcase powerful love story, ‘Swan Lake’

The Philadelphia Ballet tackles different shows every year. Some return annually (such as the ever-popular ‘Nutcracker‘ rendition every holiday season), and some shows standalone (such as the heartbreakingly beautiful ballet, ‘Giselle‘ which hit the stage in 2019.) But perhaps the most well-known and anticipated is ‘Swan Lake,’ and the production will officially open in Philadelphia this week. 

Beginning March 3 and running until the 13, the show features choreography by Philadelphia Ballet Artistic Director Angel Corella, and his re-staging of Swan Lake—when first presented in 2018—represented the company’s first full-length traditional production of this iconic masterpiece.

Corella, a former principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, was inspired with his choreography by the likes of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, but ultimately, what audiences will see unfold on stage will “reflects his singular and globally-acclaimed artistic vision.”

‘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. 

Hailed as one of ballet’s most celebrated stories, the Philadelphia Ballet’s Orchestra for ‘Swan Lake’ will be led by Music Director and Conductor Beatrice Jona Affron tasked with playing Tchaikovsky’s sweeping and dramatic score.

“Swan Lake is among the most treasured and romantic works in all of ballet, and we are thrilled to bring this sweeping production to the Academy of Music,” said Angel Corella in a statement. “It is our hope that audiences will join us and be transported by the beauty of this all-time classic, brought to life with passion, precision and grace by our company of dancers and the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra.”

Swan Lake opens March 3 and runs 11 performances through March 13 at the Academy of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus. Philadelphians who are interested can purchase tickets online at philadelphiaballet.org or call Ticket Philadelphia at 215-893-1999. Tickets start at $25.