An Unconventional "Swan Lake"

There are a lot of versions of the well-known ballet "Swan Lake". Today I would like to bring to your attention this unconventional performance of the "Guangdong Acrobatic Troupe" (中国广东杂技团).

As you can see from the introduction, it seems to be the "Swan Lake" everybody know. They are wearing tutus and pointe shoes. But don't be taken in by appearances!

The leading dancers Yu Wanqing (the swan) e Chen Dong (the prince) are acrobats.

This show is the perfect mix between dance and circus.

Yu Wanqing is every bit as good as a professional dancer. 

She has a good turnout and a strong back.

This strong back and a good abdominal muscles control are the things that allows her to keep those kind of balances on her prince's head. 

After the success of this pas-de-deux performed in 2004, the whole show had been produced in co-production with Shanghai City Dance Company in 2006. 

Below the show trailer.

The show is divided in five parts: The Dream, The Quest, The enchanted Lake, The cave, The Salvation/Pas De Deux.

On the stage there are more than 100 between dancers and acrobats.

Costumes and scenography are suggestive and they recall the original Swan Lake.

The magic of this show took whole Europe's breath away, above all the audience of Covent Garden Theatre in London where the show made its debut.

This is what the choreographer Zhao Ming told to the International Herald Tribune:  "People usually talk about the skill of acrobats and the beauty of ballet. Now. they can talk about the beauty of acrobats and the skill of ballet."

(per leggere il post in italiano clicca sulla bandierina)