Spectacular and imaginative production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake

VARNA International’s delightful version of Swan Lake came to the Hexagon under the artistic direction of Daniela Dimova with Peter Tuleshkov conducting the orchestra.

Imaginative projections on to the stage backdrop conjured up a lake, a moody sky with a full moon, swans on the wing and a bird of prey.

Vittorio Scole was Prince Siegfried, in pensive mood, aware of his mother’s wish that he should find a wife. Roberta Estrela was poised and grandiose as the Sovereign Princess in splendid purple.

Villagers and jesters in colourful costumes put on a joyful dance display to celebrate Siegfried’s coming of age. Siegfried has a firm friend in Benno, danced by Luc Burns.

Casting a malevolent influence over events was Baron von Rothbart, the evil sorcerer. Lorenzo Poggianti danced this part with brisk and spiky precision. Scole, Burns and Poggianti executed some impressive leaps: they seemed almost to walk on air.

Siegfried decamps to the lake where he encounters a flock of white swans. Chief among them is beautiful Odette (a stunning Andrea Conforti), both swan and lady, who is under the sorcerer’s spell until such times as she wins the love of a faithful man. Siegfried vows to protect and rescue her. The dances of the swans and cygnets were a lovely sight, tutus all aflutter. The pas de deux between Siegfried and Odette was well-matched and tender.

During the ball in the second half, we met potential brides from several nations who each performed a set piece dance to catch Siegfried’s eye.

But from a flock of black and white swan-girls, Siegfried chooses black swan Odile (Andrea Conforti), believing her to be Odette. He gives her his heart and his ring.

The black swan pas de deux was a joy to watch and demanding for the principal dancers to perform, not least because of the multiple turns required from Andrea Conforti. Glimpsing the real Odette outside and realising his error, Siegfried flees to the lake where the black swans have gathered. There’s a stormy but ultimately satisfying ending.

After terrific performances from principals and corps de ballet alike, not to mention Tchaikovsky’s stirring music, Swan Lake concluded to rapturous and well-deserved applause. A spectacular, enjoyable evening.

Susan Creed