LAC DES CYGNES (British Festival Ballet)

The Grand Rex welcomes the British Festival Ballet for a show of Le Lac des Cygnes, a timeless classic of the ballet repertoire. An opportunity to rediscover this iconic work in a prestigious setting.

Le Lac des Cygnes, choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov to music by Piotr Ilitch Tchaïkovski, is arguably the most famous and most performed ballet in the world. Created in 1877 at the Théâtre Bolchoï in Moscow, it tells the tragic love story between Prince Siegfried and Odette, a young woman transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. The work is particularly celebrated for its duality between the White Swan and the Black Swan, both embodied by the same principal dancer, which demands an exceptional level of technical and expressive virtuosity.

The British Festival Ballet, a company renowned for its interpretations of the great classical ballets, is committed to preserving the choreographic heritage while bringing fresh energy to its productions. Its performances are often praised for the quality of its soloists and the precision of its corps de ballet, offering a faithful and moving reading of the masterworks of the repertoire. Over the years, the company has built a solid reputation on international stages, carrying the flag high for the tradition of ballet.

Tchaikovsky's music, with its lyrical melodies and dramatic passages, is an essential component of the emotional impact of Le Lac des Cygnes. Themes such as that of the swan, instantly recognisable, contribute to the universality and enduring appeal of the work. The performance of this score by the orchestra accompanying the British Festival Ballet promises to carry audiences into the romantic and tragic world of this tale.

Staging Le Lac des Cygnes at the Grand Rex lends it a particular resonance. This Parisian landmark, opened in 1932, is known for its Art Deco architecture and its large screen, but it also has a long history of hosting live shows. The scale of its main auditorium and the quality of its acoustics make it an ideal setting for appreciating the beauty and power of a classical ballet, allowing Parisian audiences to experience an immersive encounter with this masterpiece.