Swan Lake, one of the most famous ballets worldwide, is an everlasting classic in the history of ballet and has long been the first representative of the art of ballet. Since its successful premiere in 1895, Swan Lake has transcended the boundary of cultures and countries with its poetic and artistic dancing scenarios, pure and condensed fairy tale, as well as profoundly touching and melodious music; and became the everlasting embodiment of "truth, virtue, and beauty" on stage. During the past hundred years, it had touched countless audience all over the world and became a classic repertoire repeatedly rehearsed by every major ballet company in the world.

The Swan Lake by St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre fully manifested the excellent tradition as well as rigorous and normative artistic style of the company, perfectly combined superb skills of ballet with the lyrical features of dance drama. It presented the style of authentic classical ballet in its most original and authentic characteristics. Besides, St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre spent EUR 500,000 for its luxuriant stage design, making sure that Chinese audience would fully appreciate the most original ballet culture and artistic level of Russia.

Synopsis
Act I
Scene 1
The terrace of castle is filled with joy and merriment—Prince Siegfried is celebrating his coming of age, his courtiers congratulate him while his mischievous jester entertains the assembled guests. The servants announce the arrival of his mother—the Queen, she presents her son with a crossbow for the hunt. The Queen reminds her son that at tomorrow coming of age ball he will have to choose a bride. Night is fast approaching and the guests take leave; Siegfried is finally alone with his thoughts and premonitions of what the future may bring. In the twilight a flock of swans pass over and he rushes to the lake.

Scene 2
At the lake in the heart of the forest, the swans having stepped ashore turn into beautiful young girls Siegfried about to draw his crossbow stops fascinated by their beauty. Odette the swan princess is startled by Siegfried's presence, he assures her no harm will come to her. Odette tells him of her terrible plight, tells him of her high birth and how she has fallen under the spell of be a swan and only in the hours of darkness to assume her human form. She then tells him she is bound for eternity by the spell unless an unblemished youth swears eternal fidelity and marries her. Siegfried realizes his destiny has changed. When day is breaking, the swans are again swimming on the lake. Odette bids a sad farewell and Siegfried is left desolate.

Act II
The coming of age ball commences at the castle. The young noblewomen whom the Queen has chosen as prospective brides are presented to Prince Siegfried, but he shows no interest thinking only of Odette. The entertainment and merrymaking continue until a fanfare announces the arrival of more guests. Rothbart disguised as a knight sweeps in with his daughter Odille. Siegfried is dazzled by her beauty and her resemblance to Odette, swears his love and fidelity.... Rothbart the sorcerer triumphs in his deception. Siegfried horrified at what he has done rushes from the ball and into the night.

Act III
At the lakeside Odette tells her fellow swans of Rothbart's devilish trickery. Siegfried is fleeing from the ball arrives at the shore begging Odette's forgiveness and telling of his undying love for her. Then Rothbart appears and he and his black swans battle with Siegfried and the forces of good until the light of the dawn breaks and the forces of evil are vanquished. The rising sun gives birth to new life, happiness and love.

St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre
St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre (SPBT), one of the Russia's leading classical ballet companies based in the heart of St. Petersburg City, keeps developing best tradition of the Russian ballet. SPBT`s repertoire contains such masterpieces of world choreography as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, The Nutcracker, La Bayadère and others.

Among 60 professional dancers, the majority having graduated from the Vaganova Ballet School in St. Petersburg, some are especially gifted, including Irina Kolesnikova who is described by the press as being the "a world class ballerina", "Jewel in SPBT's crown" and "a true Diva". Kolesnikova was also nominated by the Dance Section of the Critic's Circle of the UK as finalist for an award in Best Female Dancer category for the 2005 Critic's Circle National Dance Awards.

Since SPBT was founded, its tours have ranged over 6 continents. They have travelled to countries such as Spain, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Ireland, France, U.S., Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The company receives many excellent reviews from professional ballet critics and all confirming the unquestionable professionalism of the company.

Press Quotes
"...Classic ballet performed the way it was intended..."

"There is a unity of style and a refinement of execution that speaks of St. Petersburg."

"They look young, pleasing and well trained. They are a company with style, brought up to make the most of the traditional choreography that still works so well on the Russian stage, and we are lucky to have them... Classical ballet seems alive and well in their competent hands..."

"...This essentially young and vital company who have obviously been trained in the best Russian tradition - not only are the soloists of real quality but the Corps de Ballet are first class."