Swan Lake
Dubai Opera in partnership with M Premiere presents
An Enduring Masterpiece Returns to the Stage
Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake stands as the most loved and mesmerizing of classical ballets — an enduring masterpiece of music and movement. This emotionally charged tale of a Prince Siegfried, and a cursed Swan Princess, continues to captivate audiences more than a century after its creation.
Originally premiered in 1877, it was the legendary choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov that transformed Swan Lake into the timeless ballet we know today. This production, performed by the Hungarian National Ballet and the Hungarian National Opera Orchestra, follows that celebrated tradition, with additional revisions by Rudi van Dantzig and Toer van Schayk.
At the heart of this production is the ballerina’s portrayal of two contrasting characters: the gentle, ethereal Odette and the seductive, deceitful Odile. This demanding role remains a touchstone for any prima ballerina — and a highlight for any ballet lover.
Following a sold-out run at Dubai Opera in 2023 that welcomed over 8,000 guests, Swan Lake returns for six captivating performances — an essential cultural experience in the 2025–2026 season.
Why You Can’t Miss It
● The most loved and mesmerizing of classical ballets, with over 8,000 guests in attendance in 2023 at Dubai Opera.
● Performed by the Hungarian National Ballet, part of the esteemed Hungarian State Opera.
● Tchaikovsky’s first ballet and a cornerstone of the classical ballet repertoire.
● Rich storytelling, a sweeping score, and legendary choreography by Petipa and Ivanov.
Photo Gallery
Act I
Siegfried’s birthday party in the castle garden
To celebrate Siegfried’s eighteenth birthday, Alexander and the courtiers and neighbours have organized a surprise party for him in the garden of the castle. The Prince’s tutor Von Rasposen is irritated by Siegfried and Alexander’s friendly relationship with the local peasants. The festivities are interrupted by the arrival of the Queen, the Prince’s mother. She presents her son with a ring reminding him of his future role as successor to the throne: he will soon have to choose a bride. Siegfried is downcast at the prospect of his youth drawing to a close. As darkness falls he and Alexander ponder on the future. They decide to explore the surrounding forest.
Act II
The meeting with Odette
Lost in the forest, Siegfried and Alexander arrive at the banks of a great lake. A huge circling bird of prey fills them with fear: it is as if the form of Von Rasposen is still spying on them. The bird of prey – in fact the wicked magician Von Rothbart – summons a swan out of the dark lake, which takes on human form. In Odette, the Swan Queen, and her retinue of swan maidens, Siegfried believes he has found the realization of his ideal of sincerity and simplicity. Surrounded by these pure shapes he is overcome with joy. He swears to remain forever true to his ideals.
Act III
The betrayal
During a ball at the castle several brides-in-waiting are presented to Siegfried. But to the amazement of the guests, and to his mother’s alarm, Siegfried refuses to make a choice; all the pomp and splendour contrast starkly with the purity of the vision experienced at the lakeside. Von Rasposen announces the last guests: Von Rothbart, his daughter Odile and their retinue. Siegfried imagines that the Black Swan, Odile, is a manifestation of the White Swan Queen, Odette, but still he wavers. Von Rothbart and Odile blind him with a sensual display of dazzling virtuosity. To Alexander’s dismay Siegfried yields and offers Odile the ring. Too late he realizes that he has betrayed his ideal, Odette. Stricken, he flees back to the lake in despair.
Act IV
The reconciliation with Odette
Disillusioned and betrayed, Odette and the swan maidens tarry by the moonlit lakeside, where Siegfried finds them. Odette forgives Siegfried and attempts to comfort him, telling him that he must learn to live with reality. Von Rothbart tries to drive Siegfried away from the lake, but although Siegfried manages to defy him, he drowns in the waters. Von Rasposen abandons his futile search for the Prince, while Alexander discovers the lifeless body of his friend. In Alexander, Siegfried’s ideals will live on.
Odette/Odile:
Tatyjana Melnyik (25.09., 27.09. evening);
Maria Yakovleva (26.09.; 28.09. evening);
Maria Beck (27.09. matinee; 28.09. matinee).
Prince Siegfried:
Dmitry Timofeev (25.09.; 27.09. evening);
Louis Scrivener (26.09.; 28.09. evening);
Boris Zhurilov (27.09. matinee; 28.09. matinee);
Rothbart:
Takaaki Okajima (25.09., 27.09. evening);
Mikalai Radziush (26.09.; 28.09. evening);
Vlagyiszlav Melnyik (27.09. matinee; 28.09. matinee);
Alexander:
Viachaslau Hnedchyk (25.09., 27.09. evening);
Alberto Ortega de Pablos (26.09.; 28.09. evening);
Dumitru Taran (27.09. matinee; 28.09. matinee);
Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes including intermission
Latecomers will not be admitted into the auditorium once the performance has begun. Entry will only be permitted during intermission, if applicable
Dubai Opera is the ideal venue to celebrate elegance and style. Kindly avoid overly casual or provocative attire, such as shorts or flip flops, to uphold our venue standards. Guests not complying with the dress code will not be permitted entry.
6+ years would require a ticket to enter the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
Below 6+ years are not permitted into the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
