English National Ballet return to the Royal Albert Hall this June with Swan Lake in-the-round. See the iconic ballet on an epic scale this summer.
While the ballet dancers at the English National Ballet practice for over 150 hours, in the Hall, technicians work for over 44 hours to raise the whole floor of the auditorium, rig new lighting and set the stage for an 80-piece orchestra!
With a cast of 120 dancers, including 60 intricately dressed swans, the Swan Lake costumiers have a challenging job.
Every one of the 100cm diameter principal tutus must be studded with over 200 Swarovski crystals, 400 sequins and 5 metres of feathers. Each costume takes over 4 hours of work!
Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, Swan Lake has been a success since 1877, when the first choreographed production was premiered by the Bolshoi Ballet. Although the steps have been rechoreographed multiple times, the 124 minutes of iconic music are unchanged, and today the ballet is recognised as an international favourite.
“Real spectacle” – Evening Standard
**** “A remarkable and grand achievement. A true, honourable Swan Lake” – Financial Times
​**** “Profoundly touching” – The Observer
“sixty swans flocking the stage… a true theatrical shiver” – The Guardian
“…ravishing… a sumptuous spectacle” – The Sunday Times
“A thrill of emotion and beauty” – The Mail on Sunday
“60 swans, 120 performers… truly stirring” – The Independent
Read more here.
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