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Description: A production of the romantic ballet. With music by Tchaikovsky.
Trains: Tube: Leicester Square/Charing Cross 
, Tube / Bus: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 77a, 88, 91, 139 
Phone: 0871911 0200
Website: www.eno.org
Email: access@eno.org
Uneven: the corps of swans lacked uniformity and precision
Like universities and football clubs and world economies, ballet has its premiere league. The Bolshoi and Mariinsky jostle for the top slot, closely followed by our own Royal Ballet, the Paris Opera Ballet, and New York City Ballet, among one or two smaller gems. American Ballet Theatre was always in the club but if last night’s opening night is any thing to go by, it may no longer be deserved.
Last seen in London 20 years ago, the full company performed its Swan Lake, and both the dancing and acting were uneven. Swan Lake is the most famous ballet in the world and as well as being a story of a swan and a prince, it covers much more serious themes, like the promises we make and how easily we break them. It’s stating the obvious to say the steps aren’t enough, although they do have to be perfect. The dancers must also reveal their character’s dilemma so we can recognise our own.
ABT was a long way from this artistic transference. David Hallberg as Prince Siegfried came close, with clear lines and focused acting, although the chocolate box set was a constant distraction. Also good was Daniil Simkin as the Prince’s Friend, with airily elegant dancing spot on for his role. owever, Michele Wiles convinced nobody as the snowy Swan Queen Odette and her black-hearted rival Odile. She had neither Odette’s serene sorrow, nor Odile’s sexual allure, while the corps of swans lacked uniformity and precision, two essentials in classical dance.
This production by ABT’s artistic director Kevin McKenzie broadly follows the Petipa-Ivanov original, with some additions and tinkerings. This may be the mistake. With Swan Lake you want absolute classical purity or a radical reinvention. ABT does neither, which leaves the dancers and audience adrift.
Until 31 March. Le Corsaire, 2-4
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
This was my first attendance at the ballet. I was blown away. I have read some quite negative comments regarding the American Ballet Theatre's production, obviously I have not developed a snobbery that seems to attach itself to such productions. Perhaps you negative people should go back to basics? Its a marvellous amazing production with some spectacular performances by key players and the subordinates. On the back of this performance I am left hungry for more .... a ballet convert!
- Diane B, Poole, Dorset
They are a good company but why put on Swan Lake when the Royal Ballet are doing it at the same time- and why are Sadler's Wells funding commercial risk taking events with taxpayers money if they have spare cash they don't need a grant.
- Holly, London
It was a pretty underwhelming experience but Frederic Franklin at 95 years old deserves a mention as the Tutor. Disappointing performances get bad press for the artistes , but in this case, the producers should also be chastised ...for charging the public £95 best seats for a company more suited to the stage at Sadlers Wells. Interesting that the Wells ( funded by the taxpayer to make dance affordable and accessible) is one of the partners of this event - how does it have spare money to risk with commercial producers?
- B Fakts, woking england
