The world-renowned Russian ballet company, Bolshoi Ballet, marks its return to Toronto with the most revered of classical ballets, Swan Lake, a production that celebrated its world premiere by the same company on March 4, 1877.

Based on Russian folk tales, Swan Lake is a perennial dance favourite that tells a haunting story of love, sorcery, and royalty gone awry. In this tragic love story, Prince Siegfried has set his eyes on an enchanting maiden named Odette, who, unbeknownst to Siegfried, was turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer toying with Siegfried’s fidelity for his true love.

Founded in 1776, the Bolshoi Ballet is among the world’s oldest ballet companies. Bolshoi Ballet is distinguished for its vibrant and bold style that blends technique and athleticism with expressiveness and dramatic intensity. To give you an idea of their amazing choreography, I’m including the Pas de Quatre, one of my favourite pieces from this, my utmost favourite ballet…