SMART THINKING
A ‘dark, erotic’ Swan Lake is winging its way here from Europe for the very first time.
A ‘dark, erotic’ Swan Lake is winging its way here from Europe for the first time.
Choreographed by renowned French director/choreographer JeanChristophe Maillot, LAC represents an intermingling of neo-classical ballet and modern dance. Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo was formed in 1985 by Princess Caroline of Hanover as the dream project of her late mother, Princess Grace of Monaco. Visiting Melbourne this June, it’s a rare chance to see one of Europe’s leading dance troupes performing a reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. Benjamin Stone, a dancer with the Monaco-based Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo and the sole Australian in the company, is returning to his home town for the performances. “Maillot’s ballets display a blend of minimalist sets and beautifully crafted costumes so that no one element overpowers the other,” he says. Stone, who portrays one of two Archangels of Darkness, says Maillot’s choreography is “large, fast and expressive. The Archangels act as an extension of the Queen of the Night, symbolising her black wings while illustrating the span and reach of her seductive powers. “We often feel like a little evil team on stage.”
LAC – Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo australianballet.com.au/the-ballets/lac