Swan Lake by English National Ballet: Review

Technically the opening of the current run of Swan Lake last Wednesday was impeccable, despite choreographer Derek Deane’s deluge of steps. 

Mexican Cesar Corrales was a sensational newcomer in Act I but each waltz, mazurka and Tarantella was crystal clear, told the story, married magni?cently with Tchaikovsky’s music and, most satisfying, felt like classical ballet.

As a world class exponent of this most elusive of art forms, company director Tamara Rojo must take the credit for yet another rebirth in ENB’s long and chequered career.

The top accolade, though, goes to Alina Cojocaru as the doomed Swan Princess partnered by the Brad Pitt of ballet, Russia’s Ivan Vasiliev as Prince Siegfried. Vasiliev dances with a compelling sincerity that is irresistible and his partnering comes from the heart. 

The story’s ?rst colossal challenge is the White Swan duet, a slow burn of love and dread as Cojocaru’s Odette daringly surrenders to the Prince’s tender promise of hope. The steps are ?endishly simple, the music heart-breakingly slow and last Wednesday the hush in the theatre was deafening. 

The evil Von Rothbart is James Streeter; glamorous, manic and utterly convincing. He rules his ? ock of women cum birds, and brings Odette’s doppelganger, Odile, to the Prince’s birthday celebrations. This is the act featuring national dances, in which the whole company shines; Kei Akahoshi and Juan Rodriguez were riveting in the Czardas, Crystal Costa adorable in the Neapolitan. The Mazurka and the dancing Princesses, rather than a familiar drudge, were a joy.

The evening belonged to Cojocaru as Odile, though. Flashing with evil intent she fools Siegfried into swearing his undying love, condemning the White Swan to death. ENB performs Swan Lake all this week. Need I say more?

Swan Lake by English National Ballet at the London Coliseum, London WC2 (Tickets: 0207 845 9300/ ballet.org.uk;£14-£79)