OKC Ballet’s Spring production of Swan Lake is the classical ballet from the 19th Century, a fan favorite of patrons featuring the synonymous music of Peter Tchaikovsky. A taste of history meets modern times as this production features costumes that were seen in Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off” music video. The costumes and music are recognizable, but the production feels fresh and new.
Swan Lake ushers in a hopeful spring season for the ballet and its patrons in Oklahoma City. Originally staged in Moscow in 1877, OKC Ballet first debuted the dance here in 2013. This classic, time-honored ballet feels relevant and welcoming to modern audiences.
Originally considered a flop, Swan Lake was revived multiple times after its initial production in 1877. The death of composer Tchaikovsky shortly after its debut sparked renewed interest in the piece. Its reception remained rocky throughout history, and multiple revisions to the choreography were made in attempts to improve its reputation.
The dance gained popularity when it was first staged for American audiences, debuting in 1940 at the San Francisco Ballet Company. Since then, it has grown to become a favorite of dancers and audiences alike. Despite the initial uphill battle, Swan Lake is now regarded as the quintessential ballet.
Choreographed by Racheal Nye and directed by Meghan Buchanan, OKC Ballet’s Swan Lake is a tour de force of artistry and skill. Guest conductor Beatrice Jona Affron compliments the local musicians from OKC Philharmonic. As always, the ballet company is poised and perfect, striking a balance between beauty and strength with every step they take.
Swan Lake follows the familiar fairytale storyline, complete with a cursed princess, a love-stricken prince, and an evil sorcerer. Principal dancers rotate each night, and the cast at an invited preview Thursday night worked hard while making it look effortless.
Mayu Odaka strikes a graceful vision as Odette, the princess turned into a mournful swan by the vengeful sorcerer Von Rothbart. Alejandro Gonzalez gives his best performance to date as the embattled Prince Seigfried. Joseph Hetzer is sinister and startling as Von Rothbart.
Macaira Pinto is powerful and imposing as the Queen Mother. Together with the Corps de Ballet, the body of the performance, the principal cast tells a timeless story of love, betrayal and redemption.
The technical elements are always second to none at Oklahoma City Ballet. Lighting by Aaron Mooney enhances the experience, bringing subtle details and important moments to the forefront of the tale. Scene design by Peter Cazalet is complex and vibrant, and each setting is more colorful than the last.
The performance is expertly stage managed by Courtney DiBello. It’s a team effort to put on a production this large, and local audiences are always presented with the best of the best with this professional company.
Swan Lake is the perfect date night for ballet lovers and their valentines.
The dancers are beautiful and breathtaking, and the story tugs at heartstrings. The redemptive arc sends spirits soaring as the movement ebbs and flows into its final scene. As has become the standard, OKC Ballet can do no wrong. They’ve taken an ageless story and made it feel young and hopeful once again.
Tickets are on sale and going fast for this short run production, which opens Friday, February 7 and closes Valentine’s Day weekend with its last performance on Sunday, February 16.
A “sensory friendly” performance will be on Saturday, February 15 at 2 PM. Their season continues with Future Voices at the OKC Ballet Studio in March. The company is back at the Civic Center in May with their annual production of Shorts, where they’re set to debut an all new, world premiere ballet featuring music by The Flaming Lips. Visit okcballet.org for more info.
Adrienne Proctor is a theater and arts writer in Oklahoma City. She's been contributing to the arts reporting space since 2017.
