State Ballet of Georgia to perform 'Swan Lake'

The classical ballet “Swan Lake” produced by State Ballet of Georgia will be staged at Shanghai Daning Theater this weekend as part of the Shanghai International Arts Festival.

The ballet company is part of the Z. Paliashvili Opera and Ballet State Theater in Tbilisi. Established in 1852, the historical theater first presented Tchaikovsky’s ballet as early as in 1907.

The troupe is under the artistic leadership of Nina Ananiashvili, renowned as one of the greatest ballerinas of all time. She was a principal dancer for the Bolshoi Theater, the American Ballet Theater and the Houston Ballet. Invited by former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, Ananiashvili returned to her hometown to rebuild the company.

This production of “Swan Lake” is the creation of Ananiashvili and Alexei Fadeyechev, a famous Russian choreographer.

“We maintain many classic elements whilst recomposing Act One and Act Four,” said Ananiashvili. “I think ‘Swan Lake’ is one of our best repertoires. It combines elaborate clothing, stunning choreography, exquisite ornaments and the young generation of dancers with Georgian characteristics. The audience will understand it when they see our performance.”

“'Swan Lake' has always had an important place in my career. It was my first dance that I performed in the Bolshoi Theater. Besides, I danced the ballet in my first as well as my last significant performances at the American Ballet Theater,” said Ananiashvili.

Performance detail

Date: November 16-17, 7:30pm

Tickets: 80-680 yuan

Venue: Shanghai Daning Theater

Address: 1222 Pingxingguan Rd