A popular classic in a new, contemporary version | Family performance
Following the huge success of Carmen.maquia, in the 2022/2023 season Introdans now once again presents a well-known, universally popular classic in a new, contemporary interpretation. With his version of Swan Lake the Belgian choreographer Stijn Celis has created a fresh, humorous and innovative version of the ‘ballet of ballets’: Swan Lake, which 125 years after its original premiere is still performed all over the world. Celis’ version of Swan Lake is a large-scale, lively production in which all dancers of the Introdans ensemble will shine, set against an imposing stage design and moving to the famous, majestic and moving music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Playtime: 16 December - 10 March
Locations: Doetinchem, Enschede, Deventer, Amstelveen, Winterswijk, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Roosendaal, Zaandam, Nijmegen, Haarlem, Utrecht, Groningen, Zwolle, Amersfoort, Hengelo, Apeldoorn
Celis created Swan Lake for Bern Ballet in Switzerland in 2006, while he was artistic director of that company. In his version he zooms in on the relationship between Prince Siegfried and his dominant mother, the Queen, and on Siegfried’s longing to escape from the ‘claws’ of the monarchy. The major themes in Celis’ interpretation are bringing your senses alive and the need to find your own path, and that’s also what makes his production so attractive and understandable for young members of the audience. In terms of choreography one can recognise the influence of the ‘Swedish school’ on Celis: for some years this Belgian choreographer danced at the Swedish Cullberg Ballet. This has led to a powerful, expressive dance style, full of drama, poetry, grotesque humour and a huge dose of imagination.
Introdans director Roel Voorintholt: “Swan Lake wasn’t originally made for children, but it’s actually very suitable for them. This production is exciting, it’s theatrical, it contains all kinds of technical gems, and at the same time the story is very easy to follow. It sends you, as spectator, on a fascinating journey and you won’t be bored for a second.”
What the press said about Swan Lake
‘Stijn Celis’ Swan Lake proves that one of the greatest and best-known classics from the ballet tradition can also be told with humour. Staged in a visually astounding manner, with feathered dancers who float down from the theatre sky, and with a major desire for expressive escalation.’ – Theaterkompass.de
Swan Lake Experium
Just as with Carmen.maquia, Introdans also offers an ‘experium’ for Swan Lake in the theatre foyer prior to the performance and in the interval. It’s an interactive, immersive experience for young and old, where you can use all your senses to experience Swan Lake even more intensively.
Introdans Voor Jou
For the school performances of Swan Lake, the interactive website Introdans Voor Jou is filled with teaching materials, assignments and videos.