‘Swan Lake’ Renowned ballet troupe coming to Powers

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Mahoning Valley will experience a first when the National Ballet Theatre of Odessa comes to town next week.

The world-renowned troupe from Ukraine embarked on its first U.S. tour last year, which includes a Jan. 24 stop at Powers Auditorium, where it will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.”

The full-scale production has a cast of 55 of the most talented dancers.

Based on Russian folklore and German legend, “Swan Lake” follows a heroic young prince as he works to free the beautiful swan maiden from an evil spell.

The Odessa production features choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. It is staged by Yuri Vasyuchenko, manager of the Odessa and a former soloist for the Bolshoi Ballet.

The Odessa is recognized as one of the most prestigious institutions of classical ballet. Boasting a wide repertoire, it carries the honor of preserving the heritage of the great Russian ballets.

The Odessa ballet got its start in 1923 as the ballet company of the Odessa Opera Theater. Its inaugural production was the same one it is performing on its first U.S. tour – “Swan Lake.”