A timeless love story

Mesmerizing audiences for more than 100 years, Swan Lake is considered by many to be the most recognized classical ballet of all time.

Now Kansas City Ballet takes on this mysterious, lyrical, and dramatic ballet.

The classical enchantment of Swan Lake involves the beautiful Queen Odette, a passionate Prince Siegfried, and the wicked sorcerer von Rothbart, who captures Odette and turns her into a swan.

His evil spell can only be broken when a young man pledges his love and marries her. Should he betray her, she will remain a swan forever.

The production features magnificent costumes and sets, with choreography by Artistic Director Devon Carney inspired by the work of famed 19th century choreographer Marius Petipa that captures the flare and heart of Peter I. Tchaikovsky's romantic score played live by Kansas City Symphony.

As timeless as the love that binds Siegfried and Odette, it will leave you spellbound until the very end.

The production is a Kansas City Ballet premiere. Tchaikovsky’s familiar and mesmerizing score carries Odette’s and Siegfried’s passion, and the love that unites them for all eternity.

Based on Russian folktales with themes like good versus evil, the power of love and the fate of innocence, Swan Lake blends Tchaikovsky’s magnificent melodies and the mesmerizing flocks of dancers in an unforgettable spectacle for the senses.

This version of Swan Lake traces its origins back to 1895. In Swan Lake, the lead role of Odette is the queen of a flock of swans, represented by numerous female corps de ballet dancers. A signature of famed choreographer Marius Petipa was lavish corps de ballet scenes.

There will be up to 24 swans onstage instead of the 12 that is more typically seen in regional single-company productions.

Cynthia Gregory, famed prima ballerina with American Ballet Theater and considered one of the finest interpreters of the dual role of Odette/Odile, will be in Kansas City to coach the female leads in this complex and technically and artistically challenging role.

You can learn more about Swan Lake when you join other theatregoers an hour before the performance for The Belger Footnotes Series.

Dancers, choreographers, musicians, and special guests offer audience members an insider’s view on the story line, choreography, history, costumes, and music prior to each repertory performance.

These informal discussions are free for all ticket holders. They are held at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts one hour prior to curtain for Kansas City Ballet repertory shows.

Performances are February 19-28 in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from $49 to $125, and may be purchased online at www.KauffmanCenter.org, by phone at (816) 994-7222, or in person at the Kauffman Center Box Office, 1601 Broadway Blvd, in Kansas City, MO, Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., or 90 minutes before show time; or at the Kansas City Ballet’s website, www.KCBallet.org, or by phone at (816) 931-8993.

The Gayly - 2/18/2016 @ 5:22 p.m. CST