As with Romeo and Juliet (2002), Giselle (2003), and Don Quixote (2004), Western North Carolina’s ballet company continues its tradition of tackling huge projects for the final performance of its annual season. Swan Lake, the most famous of Classical ballets, tells the tale of a timeless romance, in which transcendent love conquers evil, and even death. As with Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, and Don Quixote, culturally savvy and discerning adults as well as children will be transported with this thrilling, poetic rhapsody on "l’amour."

Swan Lake, composed by Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Marius Petipa and Ivanov, contains some of the most elegant classical music and ballet ever created. Asheville Ballet’s version remains true to the tradition, while adding original choreography and staging by Director, Ann Dunn. From the sensuous, controlled adagios of the frightened and vulnerable Swan Queen (Odette) to the fiery and seductive virtuosity of her rival, the Black Swan (Odile). From the high, vengeful drama of the evil Owl sorcerer to the restrained melancholy of his target, the young prince Siegfried. And from the tender, ethereal love dance of the White Swan pas de deux to the sensual, earthy love dance of the Black Swan pas de deux. This ballet is the perfect evening for men and women who have ever loved and for boys and girls of any age, with its spell-casting loveliness and its athletic wonderment.

Male and female professionals from The Asheville Ballet dance principal parts in the production, while advanced students from studios all over Western North Carolina participate in the corps de ballet. A cast of over 30 dancers performs in this extravaganza. New costumes, hand-made in The Ukraine, add a special touch to the lavish production. Colorful glass "jewels" are hand sewn onto tailor-made tutus and tunics.

Odette (White Swan) will be danced by Blair Chamberlain of Asheville. Prince Siegfried will be performed by Lyle Laney. Odile (Black Swan) will be danced by veteran professional, Amy Kohler. Important roles of the Sorcerer, Odile’s Court, and the century-old favorite - The Four Little Swans - will be danced by older company members: Breah Paige, Lauren Anderson, Sam Humphries, Sarah McGinnis, Allison Hertzberg, Megan Weaver, Emily Unks and Solari Garren.

"Swan Lake" has been in rehearsal seven days per week since December. Rehearsal assistants and ballet mistresses have worked for long hours to give perfect form to this most perfect of ballets. The process involves remembering (from one’s own professional history) and teaching "steps", re-choreographing sequences where the new vision has developed in a different direction from the old, running sequences over and over again with an eye for the minutest details, giving notes, turning athleticism into art, conferring with costume designers, set designers, technical support (lights, sound, staging). . . on and on. One final note: without generous patronage, none of the work of the ballet would be possible.

Reporters and photographers are welcome at rehearsals. Please call to inquire about the schedule.