Shanghai Ballet tours to Melbourne

Swan Lake by Derek DeaneIn a unique collaboration between the Shanghai Ballet and renowned British choreographer Derek Deane, a grand production of Swan Lake with 80 dancers will open exclusively at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre this week.

 

From China’s cultural capital, the Shanghai Ballet will showcase the impeccable technique of its precise and graceful dancers. Audiences will experience the perfection of Deane’s interpretation of the Tchaikovsky classic, with 450 stunning costumes and 10 tonnes of scenery filling the stage. Nearly 50 beautiful swans will grace the Regent Theatre in this truly lavish production.

 

Deane remarked, “The enduring popularity of Swan Lake is a testament to the appeal of traditional ballets. People can’t get enough of this story and choreographers like myself keep putting their individual stamp on it. The corps of the Shanghai Ballet rivals that of any world famous company, and is reason enough to see this unique production. It is also extremely rare to see a Swan Lake of this size.”

 

With over a 30-year dance history, the Shanghai Ballet holds a prime position in ballet circles in China and around the world. The company has created and staged many acclaimed and varied ballets, including Jane Eyre (Patrick de Bana), A Sigh of Love (Bertrand d’At), Echoes of Eternity (Patrick de Bana), Hamlet (Derek Deane) and The Last Mission of Marco Polo (Jose Martinez).

 

Melbourne performances run April 20-24. Book tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.au.

 

Photo courtesy of Shanghai Ballet.