Swan Lake

Synopsis

Young people are celebrating in front of the castle of a high-ranking queen. The jester's dances give way to those of maids of honor and gentlemen. The queen warns her son: today he must choose a bride. But the prince is sad: he doesn't yet know the girl he wants to marry. A white flock of swans attracts the prince's attention, and he follows them.

In the forest, near the ruins of a gloomy castle, a frozen lake stands. White swans come to the shore. The most beautiful of them suddenly transforms into a charming girl and reveals a secret to the prince: an evil sorcerer has transformed Odette and her friends into swans. Only true first love can dispel their spell. Siegfried fervently vows fidelity and love. The evil sorcerer overhears their conversation.

A ball has begun at the queen's castle. The Evil Sorcerer appears among the guests. With him is his daughter Odile, who bears a striking resemblance to Odette. Siegfried, believing the swan maiden to be his, chooses her as his bride. The sorcerer triumphs: the vow he made to Odette has been broken. Siegfried sees the real Odette for a moment and understands what has happened. Disturbed, he runs to the lakeshore. A gloomy, disturbing night. Stricken with grief, Odette tells her friends of Siegfried's betrayal. Siegfried tries to convince his beloved that he is faithful to her... The evil sorcerer summons the forces of nature against the lovers. But nothing can separate them now. The prince wins the duel with the sorcerer. The evil spell is broken. Odette, the prince, and the girls joyfully rush toward the rays of the sun.

Music by P. I. Tchaikovsky
Choreography by M. Petipa. and L. Ivanov
Redaction by A. Gorskiy