A night at the ballet - Swan Lake

Imperial Classical Ballet, Swan Lake. Photo courtesy of the Ballet.

The Imperial Classical Ballet, at The Belgrade Theatre 8 and 9 October 2025. Performing Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

Review by Ann Evans

The Imperial Classical Ballet presents two beautiful ballets at the Belgrade Theatre this week, Swan Lake, last night - Wednesday 8 October and The Nutcracker on Thursday 9 October, as part of their Ballet Season 2025. These two performances are part of a 52-concert tour around the UK, travelling as far south as the Isle of Wight, and as far North as Scotland.

Last night’s concert (8 October) was truly stunning – firstly, some minutes before the curtain rises, the haunting sounds of the oboe leads us into the ‘Swan Theme’. The music for Swan Lake was composed by Pyotr I.Tchaikovsky’s and is played magnificently by a full 30-piece orchestra conducted by Yauheni Kirilou. A handful of these incredible musicians are on full view at the side of the stage, rather than out of sight in the orchestra pit, so giving a fascinating insight into the skills and concentration of the timpani/percussion, trombone and trumpet musicians, which of course was mirrored by the entire orchestra.

The scenery for the ballet is spectacular, providing us with an atmospheric, misty, lake scene and an indoor setting of a magnificent palace, the home of Prince Siegfried – the incredible principal dancer, Dmytro Vasyliev. Swan Lake is in four acts, and in Act 1 his mother, the Queen - the very regal Isabel Amber Harrod, reminds him that he must choose a bride at the forthcoming ball.  He chooses instead to go hunting with his friends by the lake where he meets and falls in love with Odette/Odile. Principal dancer Suiumkan Ravshan Kyzy dances these roles beautifully, and the pas de deux with Dmytro Vasyliev are breathtaking.

Swan Lake. Photo courtesy of the Ballet.

The entire cast of dancers are sublimely graceful, they really do become those elegant swans that sorcerer Baron Von Rothbart has turned them into through his curse. Upon meeting with Odette, Prince Siegfried learns of the curse which has turned Odette and her friends into swans during the daytime, and girls at night. Only true love that is faithful to the end will break the curse. Principal dancer Mykola Dzhura as Rothbart creates a formidable figure all in black, who tricks Siegfried into betraying Odette so that the curse goes on.

Special mention in this beautiful production must also go to Bostan Kozhabekov who dances brilliantly as the Jester, full of fun and mischief with the most spectacular jumps. Plus Marius Petipa and Vasyilliy Vainonen for the wonderful choreography.

Swan Lake was performed in Coventry for one night only, while tonight, The Nutcracker will take to the Belgrade stage, again with the full orchestra. Possibly there could be a few seats available if you’re quick. Otherwise check their itinerary to see where they are performing Swan Lake, The Nutcracker – and Sleeping Beauty near you.

For tickets to The Belgrade’s The Nutcracker, visit: https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/nutcracker-2025/