The timeless, most-loved of classical ballets, ‘Swan Lake’ arrived at The Palace Theatre on Wednesday (October 5).

This beautiful classic, led by Ken Saruhashi and Fernanda Oliveira, shares the enduring love story of a disconsolate prince and a princess who was condemned to life as a swan under a wicked sorcerer’s curse.

Tragedy, romance, misfortune and enchantment are all intertwined across four acts and expressed wordlessly through movement and facial expressions, with perfect, defined anguish.

For me, Fernanda really stood out among the cast in her portrayal of her characters and the intense emotionalism she conveyed. She presented us with magnificently combined steps, technique and sentiment, with so much passion behind her every movement.

English National Ballet dancers in Swan Lake, image by Laurent Liotardo.

Her dancing was flawless and truly mesmerising, with a fluid, rippling technical prowess. She successfully channelled the innocence and purity of Odette, with swift changes into the role of Odile with a much darker, more capricious demeanour.

Ken was remarkably talented too as Prince Siegfried, prowling about the stage with such power and natural grace – each move just as effortless as the previous. Poignant, heart-rending softness was combined with bouts of stamina and exhilarating speed.

The whole cast were captivating, it was almost hypnotic watching them - you simply couldn’t draw your eyes away. Each graceful leap and effortless lift payed tribute to their years of dedication to the art. 

Katja Khaniukova, Aitor Arrieta & Emily Suzki, image by Laurent Liotardo.

Stunning tutus and costumes assisted in telling the story, with skilfully done symbolism depicted through the colours – with Fernanda switching between black and white colour tones dependent on her character & their intentions within the performance.

This revival of such a spellbinding, utterly charming production was set to a striking backdrop of a moonlit lakeside and a fairytale castle, with very minimal stage props yet still enough to contribute to the rendering of the story. 

It was a wonderful experience and such a pivotal work of art that everyone must see at some point in their life.

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