Swan Lake masterpiece sells out, HBSO opens additional performances

Tickets sold out quickly after going on sale, the two-night premiere of HBSO’s ballet masterpiece Swan Lake has just ended with soaring emotions and explosive applause from the audience. The theater is scheduled to perform two more shows in early November.

For the first time, the ballet Swan Lake is recreated in its entirety, splendidly and emotionally on the HBSO stage - Photo: PHUC HAI

The three floors of auditorium were packed with spectators. Each performance ended with enthusiastic cheers.

Along with that were gasps of admiration at the beautiful swan ensemble performance, or the extremely difficult ballet techniques of the two white swans Odette (artist Do Hoang Khang Ninh) and the black swan Odile (Japanese guest artist Chika Tatsumi).

The two nights of HBSO's complete performance of Swan Lake (choreographed by Norwegian choreographer Johanne Jakhelln Constant and directed by HBSO Director Le Ha My) took place with such attention and enjoyment from the dance-loving audience.

Enjoy classic masterpieces in the middle of Saigon

This performance also marks a special milestone: for the first time, Vietnamese audiences were able to fully enjoy the pure and magnificent beauty of Swan Lake performed by Vietnamese artists right at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House.

First premiered in 1877 in Russia, Swan Lake is one of the most classic ballets of all time, telling the tragic love story between Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette, who was cursed to turn into a swan.

In the hands of choreographer Johanne Jakhelln Constant, the story is told in a modern, restrained but emotional language.

As the person who created the success of HBSO's Nutcracker, Cinderella and Coppélia , this time the female choreographer continues to create a Swan Lake that touches world ballet standards but still has a strong Vietnamese feel.

Audiences have the opportunity to experience how Vietnamese artists approach and create on the basis of classic ballet heritage - Photo: H.VY

HBSO's Swan Lake ballet consists of three acts, lasting over two hours, complete with ballroom and nighttime sequences and a tragic ending.

Each act has its own unique features, but throughout is the harmony between dance and music , costumes, lighting, setting... and the dedication of the artists on stage.

In particular, the contrast between the pure white swan and the seductive black swan is clearly portrayed by artists Khang Ninh and Chika Tatsumi, creating a strong impression of the opposition between two egos: purity and darkness, love and lies.

Black Swan Odile conquers the audience with her skillful technique and enchanting charisma - Photo: H.VY

From the legendary fouetté movements to the synchronized ensemble scenes, Swan Lake captivates viewers until its climactic finale.

At the end, many young people stayed behind to cheer on the artists, including children who love dancing, proving the special appeal of this seemingly "selective" genre.

As a ballet teacher, Lan Anh was moved: "I've been excited since watching the excerpt of the dance at the Autumn Melodies Festival, and I'm very happy to have 'hunted' for tickets to this performance.

The artists have expressed the soul of the swan princess longing for freedom. This production is also very suitable for the HBSO stage. With the attraction of Swan Lake , I hope more young people will come to see and feel the delicate beauty of ballet."

The sublime moment of the white swan Odette moved the audience - Photo: PHUC HAI

Proud to reach the pinnacle of ballet

Behind the two sold-out shows is a journey that has been nurtured for many years. Conductor Le Ha My, Director of HBSO, shared that the moment the familiar melody of Swan Lake played, he was moved to tears.

"It was a mixture of nostalgia for Russia, where I used to live and study, and pride that HBSO was finally able to stage this masterpiece in Ho Chi Minh City.

More than ballet, Swan Lake is a symbol. To reach this peak, our team has overcome many difficulties in terms of human resources, finance, facilities... Especially the artists have to continuously practice at high intensity for many months" - Le Ha My confided.

But what he is most proud of is the unanimous efforts of the entire team, from the elite artists of the HBSO ballet troupe to the young people who are still struggling to pursue the profession.

Overcoming days of hard work on the practice floor, you feel like your passion is rekindled, making you even more enthusiastic in your dedication.

The combination of artists from HBSO, Ho Chi Minh City Dance College and Sasa Ballet brings about harmonious and eye-catching group dances - Photo: H.VY

According to choreographer Phuc Hai - Director of HBSO Dance Troupe, this version is the result of nearly half a year of hard work, perfecting everything from choreography to costumes, props, lighting...

The most difficult factor is still the human factor, but everyone tries to create a work that resonates with the general level in the country and region.

Taking on the role of the white swan Odette, ballerina Do Hoang Khang Ninh expressed: "I am very proud and happy because the two performances have ended completely and memorable.

After many months of hard training, all the actors had moments of sublimation, exploded on stage and received well-deserved recognition from the audience."

The role of Odette requires Khang Ninh to ensure precise technique, physical strength, and the inner emotions of a white swan on stage - Photo: H.VY

Swan Lake also marked the return of Meritorious Artist Hoang Yen after a major surgery that seemed to have made it impossible for her to continue her career. The artist was proud that despite facing many difficulties, HBSO had finally made her dream of Swan Lake come true.

In her role as assistant choreographer, she shared that she still has many concerns about personnel and many details need more time to refine. What she appreciates is that the Norwegian choreographer always understands and flexibly adjusts to make the ballet most suitable to the conditions of Vietnamese artists.

"We understand that there are still difficulties ahead, but the road ahead will become increasingly clear once we have taken the first steps. The important thing is to maintain the faith and nurture the passion of the young generation so that ballet can continue to stand firm in the cultural life of the city," added conductor Le Ha My.

The ball scene impresses with its gorgeous dancing and costumes.

The Black Swan performance was cheered by the audience.

The appearance of two white and black swans creates drama for the ballet.

The audience was immersed in the swan performances.

Swan Lake ballet is scheduled to have two more performances in early November.

HUYNH VY

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/kiet-tac-ho-thien-nga-chay-ve-hbso-mo-them-suat-dien-20251014142038521.htm