The Swan Lake - State Ballet of Georgia - London Coliseum - Review

A breathtaking performance that stays true to the classic Swan Lake tale while showcasing incredible talent and precision. The State of Georgia Ballet dazzles with stunning choreography, rich sets, and sheer elegance. Though the final showdown falls a bit short, the production overall is a feast for the eyes and heart. It felt like watching something truly special.

Now, I’m guessing most of us are familiar with the story of Swan Lake, but just in case, here’s a quick recap. It’s a tale about a prince named Siegfried who falls in love with Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer, Baron von Rothbart. The story unfolds over four acts, but this production squeezed it into two. In Act 1, we see Siegfried’s birthday celebration and his first encounter with the swan maidens and falls in love with Odette. Act 2 takes us to the “Coming of Age” feast, and the tricky introduction of the Black Swan. And then, the final fight between Siegfried and the Baron.

Timeless Elegance and Precision in Every Movement

It was about doing justice to what makes Swan Lake so beloved, and the team absolutely nailed it. The dancers moved with such elegance and precision, it was impossible to look away. The swans, led by Odette, seemed to float across the stage, almost weightless. Their tutus were incredibly light, making them look even more ethereal. That said, I do wish Odette’s dress had a little more sparkle to help her stand out more.

My favourite part of Swan Lake has always been the Spanish dance, and this production didn’t disappoint. It’s a short scene, but it’s so full of energy and passion that it easily became a highlight of the night for me.

The dancers, with their sharp movements and dramatic hand fans, were mesmerizing. Their long black flamenco dresses added so much drama, and the way they bent their backs like rubber—it was breathtaking.

Enchanting Visuals: Lighting and Set Design

The lighting was spot-on. The scenes by the lake had this dreamy, almost magical feel, with dimmed lights and touches of blue that made the shadows dance along with the performers (reminded me of the TikTok logo shadow). It was like watching a live painting. The palace scenes, on the other hand, were much brighter and warmer, bringing out all the gold in the set and costumes. It created a nice contrast that helped tell the story visually.

Speaking of the set, it was stunning. The way it transformed the stage from a peaceful garden to a spooky lake and then to a grand medieval palace was really impressive.

The London Coliseum’s stage is massive (it’s the largest theatre in the West End for a reason), and filling that space isn’t easy, but the State of Georgia Ballet did it perfectly. The huge set pieces, like the gigantic trees filling up the space from stage to the ceiling, really helped create this immersive world. With the fairytale book-like style of staging, it was a perfect setting for an enchanted Swan Princess story.

Pacing Challenges, But Dancing That Shines Through

That said, the decision to squeeze the production into just two acts did have some downsides. Some parts of the story felt rushed, especially towards the end.

The fight scene between the Siegfried and the Baron barely made an impact. It ended with the sorcerer simply hiding among the swans and then leaving the stage. Instead of a dramatic showdown, like Simba’s battle with Scar in The Lion King, this conclusion felt surprisingly flat and lacking in emotional weight.

But honestly, the dancing made up for it. Both the principals and the corps de ballet were incredible, bringing their characters to life with so much emotion and precision. Whether it was the delicate swans, the carefree Siegfried, or the sinister Baron von Rothbart, every movement was executed to perfection.

This was the first time in its 175-year history that the State of Georgia Ballet performed in London, and they made quite an impression. I’m already looking forward to their next visit—if this performance is anything to go by, it’s going to be amazing every time.