The Joffrey Ballet creates a stunning Swan Lake

Many articles have recently talked about Joffrey Artistic Director Ashley Wheater’s focus on re-imagining classic story ballets. Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon created a Swan Lake so gorgeous that the audience gasped at its beauty. Swan Lake is a story everyone knows, so re-imagining the story opens the possibility that the audience won’t accept the new variation. It’s a risk that not many are willing to take, but it’s a risk that paid off beautifully.

The first thing the Joffrey Ballet needed was an audience willing to take a fresh look at a classic story. Given the recent success of Stories in Motion, the audience was primed for a full-length story-ballet. From the moment the curtain opens, Swan Lake feels both familiar and new.

Wheeldon’s Swan Lake uses ”themes of fantasy, illusion and transformation juxtaposing both time, setting and characters to reveal a new way to see this classic fairytale ballet.”  For the audience, this translates into a stronger emphasis on the male characters. Prince Siegfried is a constant presence, often acting as a protector for ballerinas. The Patron is a creepy, shadowy character who is always present, but often in the background. You always feel his presence, even when he’s not on stage.

The simple set allows the dancers to deftly move between fantasy and reality. A large mirror serves as a place to reflect a character’s thoughts and as a fantasy device. When the White Swan becomes the Black Swan, you can see her deceit reflected in the mirror. You feel Prince Siegfried’s pain as he stares into the mirror.

The dancers are in gorgeous form whether they are performing the classic Swan Lake moments or having a bit of fun at the gala dinner. Spontaneous “Bravo” cheers erupted several times during the opening night. It’s a triumph from start to finish and the audience knew it was something special. As we walked out of the Auditorium Theater, a woman behind us said, “I’ve seen Swan Lake performed many times, but as beautifully as tonight.” Whether you’ve seen it or not, this version of Swan Lake will make you swoon.

The Joffrey Ballet performs Swan Lake at the Auditorium Theater through October 26. For performance dates and times, or to purchase tickets, visit www.joffrey.org. Image courtesy of Cheryl Mann for the Joffrey Ballet.

Disclosure: I did receive media passes to attend the show. My words and opinions are my own.