Within the dance world, Swan Lake is recognised as one of the most famous – and interesting – classical ballets ever created.
To begin with, this artistic masterpiece does not have a definitive narrative. The traditional story recounts how the young Prince Siegfried falls in love with Odette, a princess who has been turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer. Since its premiere almost 140 years ago, however, some ballet companies have played with the plot (one performance in recent years was loosely based on the breakdown of the marriage between Lady Diana and Prince Charles), while different endings have been used over the decades.
Then there is the technical aspect that makes this work so interesting. While most ballets focus on the lead dancers, in Swan Lake it is the female Corps de Ballet (i.e. the female group of dancers who dance together) that play a critical role in the choreography. In fact, without the Corps this ballet simply could not exist.
With the National Ballet of Canada’s upcoming performances of Swan Lake at the National Arts Centre from January 30-February 1, Apartment613 spoke with Senior Ballet Mistress Mandy-Jayne Richardson to learn more about this highly challenging group role.
“It’s the most technically difficult role for the Corps,” says Richardson, who has been training ballet dancers for more than a decade.
With 26 dancers playing the role of white swans, all of whom must dance in perfect unison, their Swan Lake performance combines physical prowess with artistic elegance.
Photo of Mandy-Jayne Richardson taken from National Ballet of Canada web site
“We are athletic but not athletes,” says Richardson. “It’s not about winning the gold medal, but about the story you tell.”
As a case in point, the dancers must move in unison – a highly demanding physical act – while mimicking the movements of swans.
“It’s called Swan Lake and you are dancing over water,” says Richardson. “You also want to show breath.”
While the dancers regulate their breathing during the show as part of their work to match the movements of their Corps colleagues, they must also inhale and exhale in such a way that they represent the breath of swans.
When done correctly, the result is a delight to watch.
“There is something you can create in a group that you just can’t alone,” says Richardson. “There is a feeling of pride that isn’t in other pieces.”
Part of this pride comes from the fact that the female Corps draws from a wide group of ballerinas, who must combine experience and youth into a single, cohesive unit.
“They range from people who have been in the company for 10 to 15 years, to apprentices who have turned 18,” says Richardson.
The National Ballet of Canada performs Swan Lake at the National Arts Centre from January 30-February 1. While the performances are sold out, those interested in attending should check for last minute returns.
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