Photos: State Ballet of Georgia Performs SWAN LAKE Ahead of London Coliseum Return

State Ballet of Georgia, led by ballerina Nina Ananiashvili, will return to the London Coliseum following its 2024 season with a brand new production of Swan Lake. Performances will begin on 17 July for 12 performances only. Check out all new photos, taken at performances in the company’s home Opera and Ballet State Theatre in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, below!

In the roles of Odette/Odile and the Prince Siegfried are: Nino Samadashvili, Mariam Lomjaria, Anastasia Miliachenko and Guest Artist Chloe Misseldine (American Ballet Theatre) alongside Lorenzo Lodi, Filippo Montanari, Daler Zaparov and Guest Artist Oleg Ligai (Lithuanian National Ballet).

More than 300 bespoke costumes have been created for the new production by acclaimed costume designer Cyrille Gassilline and meticulously hand-crafted by the company’s costume department. Around 1,500 metres of tulle were used to create the production’s iconic tutus — enough fabric to stretch from the London Coliseum to Trafalgar Square. Georgia is one of the last places in the world where the centuries-old craft of hand-painted theatrical cloths continues to flourish. The production's spectacular scenic backdrops, created by renowned Georgian artist David Monavardisashvili, celebrate this increasingly rare theatrical tradition.

The magnificent Baroque-inspired sets, designed by David Monavardisashvili, features sumptuous gilded detailing that evokes the grandeur of a royal palace. See the time lapse video of the new set being installed for the first time at the State Theatre in Tbilisi here

Few ballerinas in history have been as closely associated with Swan Lake as Artistic Director of State Ballet of Georgia,  Nina Ananiashvili. During her international career she performed the ballet with the Bolshoi Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and as a guest artist with leading companies throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Nina Ananiashvili said: ‘I am thrilled to bring our brand new production of Swan Lake to London following our hugely successful season two years ago.  After serving the company since 2004 and touring worldwide, it was time to reinvigorate our production. I have rejuvenated the choreography to infuse fresh vitality into  this enduring classic. We are all very excited to return to London for our summer season.’

From the first bars of Tchaikovsky’s score, Swan Lake transports audiences into a world of enchantment. Prepare to be captivated by Prince Siegfried’s love for the Swan Queen Odette and their battle against the evil sorcerer Rothbart, in this lavish staging of ballet’s greatest love story.

Steeped in tradition, the State Ballet of Georgia is renowned for its exceptional dancing, sumptuous sets and glorious costumes. Under the artistic direction of Nina Ananiashvili, former prima ballerina with the Bolshoi, the “versatile and accomplished” dancers (The New York Times) bring this timeless masterpiece to life with power, precision, and emotional depth.

The company will be joined by principal dancers from some of the world’s leading ballet companies at selected performances to be announced. All performances are accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

Considered among the world’s 10 best classical companies, with a tradition of 177 years, experience the sleek grace and physicality of classical ballet at its best with State Ballet of Georgia. Swan Lake’s enthralling story, timeless score, and bravura choreography make this breathtakingly beautiful production a must-see show this summer.

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