Take the music of Tchaikovsky, add a fine orchestra conducted by a interpretive conductor and let people dance and you have a superb evening’s entertainment. This is what happened at Hull’s New theatre when the Russian National Ballet made this the last stop on their tour of the UK.

The ballet was “Swan Lake” with libretto by Vladimir Begichev and Vasily Geltser which was brought to life by the choreography of Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov and Yuri Grigorovich. The well worn sets showed that the tour was almost over, but the costumes by Simon Virsaladze dazzled against an ordinary background.

What shone out in this well known story of mournful prince, who finds his love in the form of a swan who becomes a girl at night, was the dancing of the corps de ballet. The sight of nineteen immaculately turned out dancers, who smiled and enjoyed the dancing, gave joy to the audience who showed their appreciation in their applause. They were backed up by some fine dancing from Alexander Roupyshev as the Jester and Timofey Lavrenyuk as Von Rothbart the Evil Genius who put verve and gusto in their interpretations. Olga Grigoriera gave serenity to the role of Odette and Odile, but it lacked that little something that brings these parts alive. Oleg Kkaryutkin as Prince Siegfried lacked the verve and manliness that the part demands — never quite knowing how to hold his crossbow. The lack of the essentials by the principals did not detract from the whole, which came through and shone.

Who could go wrong with this wonderful music which was played superbly by the orchestra under the conductor Vladimir Moiseyev. The audience went home well pleased with their evening at the ballet. © BA

“Swan Lake” is in Hull from the 5th of February until the 6th of February, 2002.