Events: Swan Lake by The Texas Ballet Theater

A few days ago, on June 3rd to be precise, my family and I went to see Swan Lake at the Windspear Opera House in Dallas, TX.

I love ballet. I love it because I danced for many years. Starting at 3 years old, I took classes until I was 27 years old. Then, as an adult, I have taken classes a few times when I find I just can’t live without it. I don’t think I would appreciate it like I do if I didn’t know how to dance, and how it feels and how hard or difficult steps can be. If I’m honest, whenever I watch ballerinas, my whole body tenses just from remembering the physical stress my body used to go through while dancing. Not bad, just… I need to remember to relax. I’m just watching it after all.

On Sunday, June 3rd we went to see the Texas Ballet Theater perform Swan Lake.

I confess we’re not too fond of TBT. Unfortunately it’s what’s here in the Metroplex and whenever I need my ballet fix, we go see it. The technique is not very impressive, the sets are very simple and the choreography not very challenging or  exciting. We know this. We expect it.

In this case, my husband and I had seen Swan Lake performed by the American Ballet Theater in NYC and I had to keep reminding him this wasn’t ABT.

The kids (ages 9 and 11) had never watched it, so I hoped Texas Ballet Theater would do an ok job for them. Yes, I’m that critical of ballet companies. I’m sorry.

Anyway, the performance is divided into four basic acts, to me, not counting when Odette is turned into a swan (note that I will not call the parts the correct Act numbers). Part one is the introduction to the Prince, who needs to get married, according to the Queen. So we get a few dances from the town villagers as they have a feast. This part, in my opinion, wasn’t very good. The sets were simple and not flashy and it seemed the dances were flat. There was something missing. Also, there was a dancer that didn’t seem to know what she was doing and was out of rhythm most steps and it just gave you an off feeling. In their defense, they did announce a replacement for the day and I can only assume that was her.

Part two is when the Prince goes to meet Odette and the rest of the swans. This part was much better. Unfortunately, the theater people let this woman in in the middle of the performance with her phone’s flashlight on pointing it at our row just as the dancers were doing the Danses des petites cygnes, which is the cute dance where four swans hold hands and do a choreography together. MY.FAVORITE. Ruined by this lady. Not cool.

When intermission came I had to hear my husband complain the town people not being entertaining enough (especially if you compare it to the American Ballet Theater’s performance). Although we both agreed the part with the swans was fine.

The kids looked bored, but as we asked if they wanted to leave (we wouldn’t, of course) they said they wanted to stay because they were enjoying it. And so we stayed.

Part three is set in the castle, where the Prince meets princesses from other realms in hopes to find a wife. Four princesses show up with their entourage and, of course, Odile is there, too. I thought the principal dancer did a great job in playing Odile. She would do this face and her arms moved in a different way than when she danced as Odette. The dances were also more active, the choreography was different and more engaging, so we really enjoyed it.

Then, finally, the play came to an end (I don’t want to spoil it in case you haven’t seen it) and there I was crying and crying. My daughter always teases me because I cry, but I don’t care.

It was a great experience overall. The kids said they wanted to come again (or to another ballet) because they did enjoy this one, which made me happy. We’ll see what the next season of the Texas Ballet Theater brings.

cheers!