The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine Is Touring Alabama In March

While Tchaikovsky was a Russian Romantic era composer, some of his most famous compositions are synonymous with ballet such as "The Nutcracker", "The Sleeping Beauty", and "Swan Lake". As such, in spite of Tchaikovsky's Russian heritage and the current crisis between Russia and the Ukraine, The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine will be performing his "Swan Lake" and "The Sleeping Beauty" ballets throughout Alabama in March of 2025.

Featuring the original choreography of Petipa and Ivanov, The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine will stage the classical ballet, "Swan Lake" on Saturday, March 08th, 2025 at 7:30PM at the Dothan Civic Center Arena. "Swan Lake" will also be featured on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 at The Alabama Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama at 7:30PM. And on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025, The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine will be performing "Swan Lake" at 7:30PM at the historic Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

"Swan Lake" is one of the world's most popular ballets that tells the story of Odette, a beautiful princess, who has transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse. At the same time, Prince Siegfried is celebrating his 21st birthday and is informed by his mother that the time has come for him to select his future bride. When he goes hunting with his new crossbow, the prince encounters a flock of swans and just when he aims his crossbow at one, the swan turns into the lovely Odette. The prince is delighted to have found his true love, however, the evil sorcerer is not to be outdone. The sorcerer then casts a spell over his daughter, Odile, that makes her look like Odette to the prince when he makes a formal oath to marry her.

While the exact origins of such an intricate story are unknown, some believe that it was developed from Russian and German folk tales. Others note that Tchaikovsky took a great interest in the life story of the Bavarian King Ludwig II, whose life was alleged to have been marked by the sign of the Swan. Making King Ludwig II possibly the prototype for Prince Siegfried in "Swan Lake". Whatever the origins of the tale, the representation of good versus evil in the forms of Odette and Odile are part of what make "Swan Lake" so popular 148 years after its initial premiere. As Odette represents the vulnerable and ethereal good swan. While Odile represents the seductive and deceptive bad swan.

Originally, in "Swan Lake" the two different swans were portrayed by two different ballerinas. However, in the present day it is customary for both Odette and Odile to be danced by the same ballerina. Which has made the role one of the most technically and emotionally demanding roles for a ballerina to perform. As it requires the performance of 32 fouette turns and incredibly strong acting skills to successfully convey the contrasting characters of Odette and Odile.

"Swan Lake" is also noted in ballet for the loveliness of the corps de ballet. As the undulating swan arms that are used in the Dance of the Cygnets have become a symbol of classical ballet.

On March 12th, 2025, The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine will vary its performances and perform "The Sleeping Beauty" at 7:00PM at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. "The Sleeping Beauty" ballet is based off of the classic fairy tale by Perrault and it is the second of Tchaikovsky's three ballets. The highlights of "The Sleeping Beauty" ballet are the Lilac Fairy's entrance, the Bluebird pas de deux, the grand pas de deux between the Princess Aurora and the Prince, and the "Rose Adagio" variation specifically for the Princess Aurora.

Ballet, itself, is an art form that originated in the fifteenth-century Italian Renaissance courts. It is a theatrical dance style that uses a whole-body technique with an emphasis on balance and poise. Full-length ballets tell a story and express a mood. With The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine being known for its emotive performances and exceptional technique.

Those who wish to see a preview video of The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine's "Swan Lake" may do so here: Swan Lake • March 25, 2025 • 7:30 pm • Bama Theatre • Tuscaloosa, AL

Luisa Reyes is an attorney in Tuscaloosa with a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Judson, a master's degree in library science, and a law degree from Samford's Cumberland School of Law. She is also a piano instructor and vocalist.