Swan Lake

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 9:00 p.m., Swan Lake will be performed at the Teatro Duse in Bologna — one of the most famous and beloved masterpieces of classical ballet, a musical fairy tale that tells a poignant story of love, betrayal, and redemption.

Set in an enchanted world, the ballet follows the story of Prince Siegfried, who, during a hunting trip, discovers a mysterious lake inhabited by a group of swans. These are no ordinary creatures: at night, they transform into women, victims of a powerful spell. Among them stands Odette, the Swan Queen, who bears the weight of a curse cast by the wicked sorcerer Rothbart.
Odette can be freed only by the sincere and pure love of a prince, but the path to salvation is fraught with deception and betrayal. The evil Rothbart and his daughter Odile, whose beauty is dangerously deceptive, attempt to mislead Siegfried and drive him away from Odette.

Through Tchaikovsky’s sublime music, Marius Petipa’s elegant choreography, and evocative stage design, Swan Lake explores universal themes such as love, fidelity, the struggle between good and evil, and the power of sacrifice.

This two-act ballet, with its blend of lyricism and drama, offers a performance rich in emotion, moments of great virtuosity, and scenes of extraordinary beauty that continue to enchant audiences of all ages.

International Classical Ballet
Two-act ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreography by Marius Petipa
Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Stage photography by Massimiliano Donati