Royal Czech Ballet to perform classic tale

DUBBO’S dance denizens are waiting with bated breath for the Royal Czech Ballet’s presentation of Swan Lake being staged in the city in less than two weeks.

The Royal Czech Ballet company compromises elite dancers from Europe, including Italy, Moldova and Ukraine and was formed in the Czech Republic in 2008 and the company’s Artistic Director, Andrey Scharaev, says they’re all looking forward to the visit.

“In this difficult time for everyone, when there is a conflict in Ukraine, we want to bring good through our art,” he said.

“We have an international company with dancers from different European countries, including Ukraine. The theatre is something that has always united people and always will do.”

Swan Lake, set to the magnificent score of Tchaikovsky, is the most romantic of all the classical ballets. The story line is ultimately one where the virtues of love and forgiveness conquer evil and betrayal and the Dubbo performance offers ballet enthusiasts their first opportunity since the Covid-19 pandemic to enjoy an international ballet company visiting our city.

Stepping Out Dance Factory principal Rikki Slack-smith said given that previous international ballet companies have had to cancel their tours during the pandemic, this is Dubbo’s first opportunity post Covid to watch not only a live ballet performance but a world class company.

“Swan Lake is a quintessential classic and it promises to be a magical and inspiring experience for local dance students,” Mrs Slack-smith told Dubbo Photo News.

“I still vividly recall watching my first visiting ballet company at the Civic Centre as a young dance student. The size of Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre means that the artists are literally so close and it will be incredible for any aspiring ballerina or danseur (male) to have such an intimate experience watching such artistry and technical feats.

“It’s also powerful representation of the unifying force of theatre given the Ukraine crisis and poses an opportunity to invite discourse and understanding for our young people.”

The company will perform Swan Lake at the DRTCC on Tuesday and Wednesday, 13th September 13 and 14, both performances start at 7:30pm.

Bookings can be made by calling (02) 6801 4378 or at www. drtcc.com.au

PHOTO: SUPPLIED. Principal Dancers at the Royal Czech Ballet company, Cristina Terentiev and Nikolay Nazarkevich, are preparing to wow Dubbo audiences when they present Swan lake to the region’s ballet enthusiasts.