Swan Lake is undoubtedly the most famous ballet ever. Even non-ballet dancers would know Swan Lake. I haven't seen this wonderful ballet since several years and now that I just watched it once more, I really think that it is so famous for some reasons. The choreography is very rich, especially in Noureev's version. You have some of the most technically demanding classical ballet parts, character dances, mime scenes, special stage effects and a beautiful and tragic storyline from the Russian legend. This ballet was actually first choreographed in Russia by the master Marius Petipa and his assistant Lev Ivanov. They ordered the music from Tchaikovsky which is so beautiful and touching.
I used to spend ages watching American Ballet Theatre's Swan Lake DVD in the MTR (Metro) in Hong Kong. I would have watched that same video for more than 50 times I guess. Yes it was one of my favorite ballets.
In the Paris Opera, there is a parental system between the students and the professional dancers. Each student can choose a "little mother" and a "little father" from the company who would help him/her throughout his/her journey in the Paris Opera. And Saturday night the principal role Odette-Odile in Swan Lake was danced by my "Little Mother" Heloise Bourdon who is still a Sujet in the company. She was magnificent in that role, everyone agreed. I was so happy to see her and really would like to thank her for such an inspiring performance. We hope that she will be nominated "Etoile" (principal dancer) soon :)
Not only my "little mother" danced flawlessly, the company did a great job too. The prestigious ballet company presented 32 swans on stage in the second act and the corps de ballet was close to perfection...... It was another wonderful evening at the Paris Opera.