Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet's Swan Lake

Reviewed by Paula Citron

Swan Lake
Mariinsky (Kirov)Ballet
Sony Centre
Choreographed by Konstantin Sergeyev, after Petipa and Ivanov
Performed by Victoria Tereshkina, Vladimir Schklyarov, Grigory Popov and Konstantin Zverev (with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony conducted by Pavel Bubelnikov)
Sony Centre
Mar. 1 to 6, 2011

Audiences expect to see “classical ballet” when the Mariinsky (a.k.a Kirov) Ballet tours, and they certainly got that with Swan Lake.

The port de bras, or the carriage of the arms, defines the Mariinsky style. One can only be in awe of the glorious female swan corps de ballet, the whole moving as one in fluid harmony.

In the dual role of Odette/Odile, the fragile Odette must float through the air, while the wicked Odile must be a scheming enchantress. Victoria Tereshkina is the perfect embodiment of both women.

Vladimir Schklyarov’s raison d’être for even being on stage as Prince Siegfried is to be a partner, and he is certainly an excellent one. His lifts of Tereshkina are strong and secure, and he always keeps her on balance.

Despite the old fashioned look of Igor Ivanov’s set, and Galina Solovieva’s costumes, this museum piece puts dance first. It looks backward with glory.

The Mariinsky Ballet continues at the Sony Centre until Mar. 6.