Orlando Ballet Performs Swans: Black and White and The Swan Princess

After an exhilarating season filled with vampires, mad scientists and an edgy battle between the sexes, the Orlando Ballet continues to push the envelope with a new twist on a classical favorite. SWANS: BLACK AND WHITE promises an enchanting look at the classic romance SWAN LAKE. The performance takes place March 30 – April 1 and closes the Ballet’s 2011-12 season.

Based on the Russian folk tale of a young princess transformed into a swan by a vengeful sorcerer, SWANS: BLACK AND WHITE illustrates the undying love between two childhood friends and the curse which threatens to tear them apart. The production will further explore some of the original story’s darker themes of imprisonment, manipulation and deception, while demonstrating the Orlando Ballet’s excellence in classical dance.

With original choreography by Artistic Director Robert Hill, set to Tchaikovsky’s powerful Swan Lake score, SWANS: BLACK AND WHITE blends a beloved classical tale with innovative choreography.

“We look forward to presenting this production,” said Hill. “It’s designed to delight our audiences with a story they love while surprising them with an unexpected approach. We are proud to explore this theme of the duality of human nature to the stage.”

Young ballet enthusiasts can also enjoy a similar story as part of the Orlando Ballet’s Family Series production, THE SWAN PRINCES (March 31 at 11 a.m.). This one-hour performance, targeted to younger audiences, tells the story of Princess Odette, who has been magically transformed into a swan by an evil warlock, and her everlasting love for Prince Derek. And, for their additional enjoyment, the young ones can enjoy arts and crafts, face painting and other activities an hour before each performance. Tickets range from $22-30.

All performances take place at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre (March 30 and March 31 at 8 p.m., April 1 at 2 p.m.). Tickets for regular season performances range from $15-75.

For tickets or more information on the Orlando Ballet’s 2011-2012 season or Family Series, call 407.426.1739 or visit www.orlandoballet.org.

Established in 1974, Orlando Ballet is the professional resident ballet company in the Greater Orlando area. The Orlando-based organization employs a full-time company of national and international dancers, performing both full-length classical ballets and contemporary repertoire programs. Via its mission, Orlando Ballet seeks to entertain, educate, and enrich the cultural growth of Florida through the highest quality of dance.