An evil sorcerer’s curse turns a princess into a swan by the light of day. Only at night is she human. And in this form, a young prince falls in love with her and plots to help break the spell. Yet this is no simple task when the sorcerer’s daughter, a witch in her own right, becomes an obstacle to the couple’s happiness – and thus the story of “Swan Lake.”
To see how this tale ends, join the Radford University Performance Series as they host the Russian National Ballet Theatre’s production of the classic Tchaikovsky-composed “Swan Lake.” This dance performance is at 7:30 p.m., March 20, 2017.
“Swan Lake is a classic Russian ballet, and who better to share this timeless love story than this renowned company of dancers,” said Margaret Devaney, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. “This gives students and the community an opportunity to see a traditional Russian ballet.”
The Cold War’s end saw the formation of the Russian National Ballet Theatre, based in Moscow, Russia. Known as the Soviet National Ballet during the transitional period of Perestroika in the late 1980s, it emerged as part of a newfound creative freedom.
Graduates from the great Russian choreographic schools of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Perm came together to form a new and vibrant dance company. With principal dancers from the upper ranks of prestigious ballet companies and academies of Russia, Riga, Kiev and Warsaw, they dedicated themselves to the timeless tradition of classical Russian Ballet.
They enhanced this by incorporating new developments in dance from around the world. In 1994, the legendary Bolshoi principal dancer Elena Radchenko, by presidential decree, assumed the first permanent artistic directorship of the company and began the Russian National Ballet Theatre. They focus on upholding the national tradition of the major Russian ballet works and developing new talents throughout Russia.
This makes the company a natural to perform “Swan Lake.” The ballet was first danced in Moscow at the Bolshoi Theatre in 1877.
“The University Performance Series’ goal is to bring diverse professional-quality productions to Radford University,” said Devaney, “With so much about Russia in the news these days, it is important to look at that country’s contributions to the arts. We hope this will provide a positive experience for students and community and bring a greater understanding and appreciation for other cultures.”
The National Ballet Theatre’s “Swan Lake” is at 7:30 p.m., March 20, in the Bondurant Auditorium in Preston Hall. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $7.50 per child, and those with a Radford University ID are free (their guest are half-price). Visit radfordactivities.com to get tickets or they are available at the Hurlburt Hall Information Desk. Call 831-5420 for more information.
— Submitted by
Leslie King