A ballerina’s dream

> Natasha Watson talks about playing Odette in the classic Swan Lake, which will be staged at Resorts World Genting this month

Swan Lake in 1877, and it has continued to be staged by various ballet companies and performed to audiences all over the world.

In an email interview with Watson ( below), we asked her a few questions about taking on the iconic role.

She said: “The opportunity to continue the tradition of classical ballet, and to take on a role that has been performed by legendary dancers in the past, is a great inspiration to me, and dancing the role of Odette in Swan Lake is a ballerina’s dream.

“I feel honoured to be a part of this production and each day I strive for perfection. That is what Swan Lake deserves.”

When asked to recall when she first saw this ballet, she said she said she watched it on television when she was very young.

“I was captivated, first, by the music and, second, by the story, and the combination of those elements made for some very special viewing.

“Odette’s fragility touched me and I was inspired by her ability to portray intense emotion through physical movement. The beauty of the piece was overwhelming, and it had a great impact on me as a young artist.”

She also went on to describe how she embodies such a tragic heroine.

“Odette is a vulnerable character, full of emotional depth and sadness. I strive to embody the movement of a swan into my performance, especially through the port de bras and the fluidity of each movement.

“The ability to tell a story is key and is my priority. “The ballet deals with enduring themes such as love and betrayal, and in this way, I hope that the audience will relate to Odette and her journey.” Swan Lake is perhaps the most iconic ballet performances of all time. When asked what she loves most about it, Watson said: “Tchaikovsky’s score is what I most love about the ballet: it contributes a great deal to Swan Lake’s reputation as the most iconic classical ballet of all time. “Audiences are drawn to the pure classicism of this ballet, where we see the ballerina in her purest form.” To those who will be catching Swan Lake here, Watson said: “I hope that they will be transported to a different world and become immersed in this tragic fairytale.”