Darcey Bussell the challenges of dancing as a Swan (The Royal Ballet)

Darcey Bussell discusses being a swan in The Royal Ballet's corps de ballet and talks to First Artists Isabella Gasparini and
Hannah Grennell about the challenges of their roles. Find out more at www.roh.org.uk/...
Swan Lake was Tchaikovsky’s first score for ballet. Given its status today as arguably the best loved and most admired of all classical ballets, it is perhaps surprising that at its premiere in 1877 Swan Lake was poorly received. It is thanks to the 1895 production by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov that Swan Lake has become part of not only ballet consciousness but also wider popular culture. That success is secured not only by the sublime, symphonic sweep of Tchaikovsky’s score, but also by the striking choreographic contrasts between Petipa’s royal palace scenes and the lyric lakeside scenes created by Ivanov.
Swan Lake has had a special role in the repertory of The Royal Ballet since 1934. Since then there has been a succession of productions, the most recent of which was overseen by Anthony Dowell. This Season the Company creates a new production with additional choreography by Artist in Residence Liam Scarlett. Scarlett, while remaining faithful to the Petipa-Ivanov text, will bring fresh eyes to the staging of this classic ballet, in collaboration with his long-term designer John Macfarlane.

[@barbaralemere5183]

I'm so glad the royal Ballet is covering the Corps de ballet's roles because they are tremendously hard. They are so integral a part of the classics. I'd love to watch some corps rehearsals.

[@ArtistsByAnyOtherName]

Barbara LeMere yes! It really helps people appreciate the whole behind the scenes

[@katiefulton9456]

I agree 100% - adore videos such as these- and ROH livestreams/rehearsals! ✨💛✨

[@dianedelaney452]

I love the corps de ballet they are the backbone of this ballet, so beautiful and graceful. Saw this last night at my local cinema it was sensational.

[@pinstripesuitandheels]

Beautiful! As always, I'm very happy to see healthy dancers, too. For me, seeing a healthy dancer rather than a skeletal one makes the performance so much more enjoyable!

[@noopy99]

#ROHswanlake it was so amazing. Nela was phenomenal as usual. 😍💗 the Corp so beautifully together, the costume, the set.. music. Vadims jumps.. I can't find words to express what I felt if I'm honest

[@tamorathepurple]

I love the costumes! So beautiful, wish I were in London so I could see this!

[@meowool]

Ebba Welin they often show performances live in cinemas across the world

[@tamorathepurple]

They stopped doing that were I live, sadly. The closest cinema that show these performances is on the other side of the country! But thankfully I can appreciate some performances here on youtube and on DVD. Really appreciate your answer, hope you have a good day!

[@meowool]

Ebba Welin oh no that's a shame - if you can access BBC worldwide (and maybe iPlayer, I think that's a UK only thing) as they show RB stuff on there every so often

[@katiefulton9456]

Ebba Welin Same thing happened where I live...such a shame, indeed. I’ll never forget watching Mariañela as Manon a few years back! 🙏

[@TheSorub]

visit the royal ballet website, get the dvds not the same as live but you can see again and again

[@erpollock]

Imagine having Darcey Bussell supporting your dancing and the corps de ballet - that must be totally inspiring! And up close in rehearsal, all the corps look different and individual. But in swan costumes and in the ballet itself - they are swans, one body.

[@conoryoung1761]

Amazing effort all around, I loved watching the livestream from Dublin. Fingers crossed for a DVD release!

[@guamconservatoryofarts5551]

I appreciate these insider insights. Thank you.

[@carjhb]

So so enjoyable to watch and learn!

[@user-uj9dm2iu6n]

Love you Darcey! I've always been a fan!

[@Niqhtmusic]

My dad’s godparent’s daughter used to dance here!!

[@peterbradbury]

Such an amazing artform.

[@karenkaren3189]

A new RB video.....yeah !

[@soumliterallylikeyeah]

i LOVE this omg

[@NicholasWingComposer]

Brilliant.

[@letlotlosibanda]

Anna Rose O'Sullivan is so cute.

[@katerinaslama312]

Thank you for a nice ballet.

[@wellenpereira1961]

queria legendas em português

[@juliaaraujo9236]

Beautiful dress wonderful clothes

[@zeddnl6514]

I want to see Melissa Hamilton as Odette/Odille!

[@santi7616]

yes, me too¡¡ :-)

[@eurekamreum5458]

Not a big fan of hers but I have to admit that she'd perfom a beautiful Odile.

[@derriderri7908]

Good mass dance

[@stevie8763]

Poor Anne Rose, told off for being out again. But not to worry, now that she is principle, she will never have to do the corps de ballet again.

[@cherylzane7215]

Like Darcey was ever in the corps!

[@meowool]

Cheryl Zane well she was (albiet much less than usual)

[@cherylzane7215]

Maybe at SWRB, but not at RB. She started RB as a soloist.