Swan Lake: Legendary Russian ballet comes to Mumbai for first time

One of the most quintessential classical ballets created by Russian legend Pyotr Tchaikovsky is now en route to Mumbai. Swan Lake, a timeless story of good versus evil that was created in 1875, beckons the audience to another world with its bewitched swan queen, doomed prince, villainess and drifts of white tutus. Performed by members of the Royal Russian Ballet, that includes 55 best ballet dancers from Russia, Ukraine and Europe, this rendition of the classic has been directed by Anatoliy Kazatskiy.

Growing up in Russia, the culture of ballet and classical music was well imbibed in him. "Like many other young women and men around me, I too, was inspired to pursue music and dance. Before I joined the Dance College, I studied at the Kharkov Children's Choreographic School," says Kazatskiy who won the International Ballet Competition , "Serge Lifar" in 2002. His performance repertoire includes several classics like The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky, Sleeping Beauty and the role of the Prince in Swan Lake.

Kazatskiy was aware of the responsibility he was taking on, when he set out to direct this classic. "It was a huge responsibility to ensure a performance that does justice to the genius of Tchaikovsky. Even if I had wanted some changes, I had to make sure that the script and production do not lose out on, but complement the sublime essence of the original. I needed to look closely at finer aspects of stage settings in terms of stage size, curtains, lighting and sound provisions, green room facilities and costume co-ordination. Each dimension plays a key role in defining how the whole performance comes together and impacts the audience," he tells us over an email interview.

Since his very early days as a ballet dancer, he has performed on Tchaikovsky's classic ballets. "He has influenced me greatly not only as a dancer, but as an overall artiste. His music, dedication, and artistic brilliance have influenced me as a director, driving me to strive for excellence in every scene that I direct, for any play."

Being a dancer himself, he certainly understands his artists better. "I understand extremely well what they are feeling, their limitations etc. So, I can guide them better, drawing from my own experiences, and also following what my director and teachers taught me." Last year the ballet made a trip to the capital, thanks to the efforts of Navrasa Duende, a Delhi-based production house. Following a glowing response, this year the "Swan" will embark on a multi-city journey.

"It was a delightful experience to perform in Delhi last year, and we are excited to return and present this ballet across five new cities. We are hopeful of creating the magical performance for more audiences and introduce them to the classic," Kazatskiy says.

When: 7.30 pm, March 13
Where: Jamshed Bhabha
Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point
Entry: '2124-'13,275
Call: 66223737

Also read: Internationally Renowned Ballet Dancers To Perform In Mumbai

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates