The English National Ballet brings its performance to kids as it tours the UK with My First Ballet-Swan Lake. A potted version of the timeless classic it is targeted at an audience of youngsters from 3 years up.
Unlike other ballets this production has a narrator who guides the children (and adults) through the tale of Odette who is cursed by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart and turned into a swan along with 6 of her closest friends. The only way the spell can be broken is by true love, which comes in the form of Prince Seigfried. But with Von Rothbart trying hard to keep them apart it seems like Odette might never be human again.
The set design is enchanting, leaving children gasping in wonderment as the curtains open to reveal first a woodland and later a grand palace ballroom. The visuals continue to impress with the stunning costumes as the swans dance round in their crystalline tutus and feather head-dress.
This production is performed by students from the English National Ballet School and despite some of the male ensemble having trouble with timings on the whole it was an impressive display from the junior cast, especially the Swan Princess.
At 45 minutes the first half proved a bit too long for the younger members of the audience but after the interval it picked up the pace and was far more engaging.
Set to some of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions My First Ballet-Swan Lake is a true delight of a show, which is the perfect introduction to ballet for both young and old.
Palace Theatre Manchester
2nd & 3rd May 2015
