Swan Lake Returns To Melbourne

Since its 2002 debut, this powerful interpretation of the iconic ballet has been seen in sold out seasons across four Australian states, sold 170,000 tickets, won ten major awards, and moved audiences to tears. One of the most successful ballets in the repertoire Swan Lake earned international critical and audience acclaim in London, Cardiff, Shanghai and Tokyo resulting in the company receiving the 2005 UK Critics' Circle Award for 'Best Foreign Dance Company'.

Artistic Director David McAllister said "The ongoing demand to see this work continues to astound and delight me. It is a work you can see over and over again - clearly that is part of its enduring appeal. But its previous Australian seasons have all sold out so quickly that there are still many who have yet to see it for a first time."

Making their debuts in the passionate lead roles will be The Australian Ballet's newest Principal Artist Yosvani Ramos and Senior Artist Adam Bull as Prince Siegfried, and Danielle Rowe as femme fatale Baroness von Rothbart. Principal Artists Rachel Rawlins, Madeleine Eastoe, Lucinda Dunn, Kirsty Martin, Olivia Bell, Damien Welch and Robert Curran will reprise their roles. Principal Artist Lynette Wills will make a welcome return to the stage after the birth of her son Thomas.

WHAT THE CRITIC'S HAVE SAID

"Murphy's vision is compelling, danced with total conviction by a company we should see more often." The Observer, UK, July 2005

"The greatest work created for The Australian Ballet." The Age 2004.

"…one of the most outstanding pieces of Australian choreography of the last decade." The Daily Telegraph, April 2004

"Technically, emotionally, musically and visually, it's a gem." The Sun Herald May 2004

"There's so much to enjoy… this is a must see…" The Sun-Herald, 2002

"Just minutes after the curtain went up on The Australian Ballet's new Swan Lake, we knew we were witnessing a birth of a classic…." The Australian, 2002

"Graeme Murphy's brilliant take on Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake has imbued this well-loved classic with freshness and a relevance that make this gem of a production a must-see." Australian Financial Review, 2002

"If audience reaction is anything to go by, The Australian Ballet has a hit with its new … Swan Lake….Murphy's production is a major artistic coup. The spirit of classical perfection shimmers through every move." Herald Sun, 2002 -- www.australianballet.com.au