Opening the organization’s 20th season under Paul Vasterling’s artistic direction, Nashville Ballet will present what’s commonly considered one of the greatest classical ballets of all time, Swan Lake, with three performances September 21-23, 2018 at TPAC’s Jackson Hall.
Drawing upon Russian folklore, Swan Lake transports audiences to a realm of lush romance to tell the tale of the beautiful, but cursed, maiden Odette. Forced to spend her days as a swan upon a desolate lake, Odette may only take her true form as a human in the darkest hours of the night. Without a vow of true love to break the wicked curse, Odette will never be free. This fan favorite features the challenging and highly coveted, dual role of Odette and Odile, the evil temptress crucial in determining the heroine’s fate.
Christopher Stuart and Kayla Rowser in Swan Lake in 2014 photo by Karyn Photography
His first ballet composed, Tchaikovsky began arranging Swan Lake in 1875 and premiered it in 1877. Twenty years after its inception, choreographers Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa’s 1895 revival staged the version that serves as the foundation for the quintessential ballet.
Last presented by Nashville Ballet in 2014, Swan Lake features choreographic updates from Artistic Director Paul Vasterling and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the Nashville Symphony. With striking new costumes for Odette and the illustrious swan corps, Nashville Ballet offers a dazzling fresh take on this timeless masterpiece.
“The beauty, power and technical complexity of Swan Lake make it one of the most important ballets, both for dancers and the audience to experience,” Vasterling said. “Petipa and Ivanov’s choreography set a standard for grace and athleticism still inherent to ballet today; the new tutus for this production will highlight that standard and the strength of our Nashville Ballet artists on stage.”
Get swept away by the magic of Swan Lake by purchasing tickets in person at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at (615) 782-4040 or at www.nashvilleballet.com. The presenting sponsor for Swan Lake is Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund; supporting sponsors are Benefits, Inc. and Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance. A complete performance schedule and more information can be found at www.nashvilleballet.com/swan-lake.
About Nashville Ballet
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2 (a pre-professional training company), provide more than 70,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through season performances and its Community Engagement programming. Curriculum-based Community Engagement programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries and public elementary, middle and high schools across the state. School of Nashville Ballet brings world-class dance instruction to students age 2 to 70.
Nashville Ballet receives public funding from Metro Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Contributions from local, regional and national institutional funders and community partners, as well as hundreds of generous individuals, provide ongoing support of Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs.
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