Colorado Ballet Begins 56th Season With SWAN LAKE, 10/7

Colorado Ballet opens its 56th season with 11 performances of the romantic classic Swan Lake, October 7-23, 2016at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's classic score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

Swan Lake features the original choreography after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, set and updated by former American Ballet Theatre principals Amanda McKerrow and John Gardner and Sandra Brown, Ballet Mistress for Colorado Ballet. Complete withgrand sets and elaborate costumes, Colorado Ballet's Swan Lake stays true to the traditional choreography, with an original waltz in the first act and a new fourth act that premiered in 2008.

"Presented in four acts with two intermissions, Colorado Ballet's production has the traditional elements that die-hard Swan Lake lovers will enjoy, while adding a few new elements that premiered in 2008 to keep the choreography fresh and vibrant," said Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet Artistic Director. "For example, most versions of Swan Lake feature a fourth act, but this version features unique choreography in the fourth act that is absolutely brilliant."

The ballet tells the story of Prince Siegfried, who falls in love with Odette, a beautiful princess cursed by the evil Baron Von Rothbart. Unless the curse is broken by a royal marriage vow, Odette is doomed to forever spend her days as the Swan Queen. The sorcerer and his daughter Odile, work together to destroy their romance in this classical ballet masterpiece.

According to Boggs, Swan Lake will feature some of the greatest acting audiences will see during a ballet performance, with the lead female dancers portraying both Odette, the princess turned into a swan, and Odile, the evil BLACK SWAN. "This feat is extremely challenging both psychologically and physically," said Boggs. "In addition to the stunning choreography, Colorado Ballet's Swan Lake is huge in size and scope. At one point during the ballet, we will have 27 swans on stage at the same time. The grandeur of this ballet will leave you speechless and it cannot be missed."

Performance dates and times:

Friday, October 7, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 2 p.m.

Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 2 p.m.

Friday, October 14, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 16, 2016 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, October 21, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $30 to $155. To purchase tickets, visit www.coloradoballet.org or call 303-837-8888 ext. 2.

About Colorado Ballet

Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 56 years of presenting world-class classical ballet and superior dance in Denver. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet presents more than 50 performances annually. Colorado Ballet enhances the cultural life of Colorado through performances of the professional company, training at the Academy, and Education & Community Engagement programs. Visitwww.coloradoballet.org.