Mexico City Ballet Reimagines Swan Lake for All Ages
Mexico City Ballet presents "Báilame un cuento: Swan Lake," a narrated version for families. Features international stars & live orchestra. Sun, May 18, 5 PM at Auditorio Nacional.
Get ready for tutus, Tchaikovsky, and a touch of storytelling magic as the Ballet de la Ciudad de México presents a fresh take on a timeless classic. Their upcoming production, "Báilame un cuento: El Lago de los Cisnes" (Dance me a story: Swan Lake), promises to enchant audiences at the prestigious Auditorio Nacional this May.
Forget stuffy silences and impenetrable plots; this Swan Lake is designed with clarity and family appeal firmly in mind. Part of the company's "Báilame un cuento" series, the production cleverly introduces a Narrator, played by actor Enrique Chi in the guise of a charming old Theatre Foreman ('Jefe de Foro'). He'll guide theatregoers, young and old, through the beloved fairytale of Princess Odette, the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart, and the lovestruck Prince Siegfried, making the intricate story accessible without sacrificing its inherent drama and beauty.
Spearheading the production are acclaimed international guest stars, bringing world-class pedigree to the Mexican capital. Oksana Bondareva, renowned for her work with the Moscow Ballet, will dance the demanding dual role of Odette-Odile, the white and black swans. Partnering her as Prince Siegfried is Vsevolod Maevsky from the Kiev Ballet.
Under the watchful eyes of company director Arcelia de la Peña and artistic/choreographic director Isabel Avalos, the production features a company of over 50 talented dancers from the Ballet de la Ciudad de México. They aim to present, as the company puts it, "the historical reference of classical ballet in a simplified way, with the plot told with clarity and brevity, but without losing its richness."
Live Music and Iconic Moments
No Swan Lake is complete without Tchaikovsky's soaring, sumptuous score, and audiences are in for a treat. The Orquesta Filarmónica de las Artes Escénicas, conducted by Maestro Roberto Kolb and featuring guest conductor Roberto Beltrán, will bring the music to life with a full contingent of 65 musicians performing live.
Balletomanes need not worry that simplification means dilution. The company assures that all the iconic moments that make Swan Lake a perennial favourite will be present: the haunting lakeside scenes, the mesmerising dance of the cygnets, the technically dazzling Pas de Deux, and the dramatic flourish of the Black Swan's 32 fouettés. While acknowledging other versions exist, this production firmly embraces the traditional "good triumphs over evil" narrative, promising a fulfilling and ultimately uplifting experience.
This reimagined Swan Lake offers a perfect opportunity for families to experience the magic of classical ballet together, or for newcomers to discover its enduring appeal. It’s pitched as a "magical and enchanting spectacle," celebrating the purity and tradition of classical dance in an engaging format.
- What: Báilame un cuento: El Lago de los Cisnes by Ballet de la Ciudad de México
- Where: Auditorio Nacional, Mexico City
- When: Sunday, 18th May, 5:00 PM (17:00 hrs)
- Music: Live performance by Orquesta Filarmónica de las Artes Escénicas
- Tickets: Available now from the Auditorio Nacional box office and online via Ticketmaster.com.mx
Don't miss this chance to see a beloved classic presented with fresh energy, international stars, and the undeniable power of a live orchestra. A truly enchanting evening awaits.
