Swan Lake - Odile/Black Swan solo (Natalia Osipova, The Royal Ballet)

Royal Ballet Principal dancer Natalia Osipova performs a solo as Odile, the Black Swan, in Anthony Dowell's opulent production of Swan Lake. Find out more at www.roh.org.uk...
Swan Lake was Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky's first score for ballet. Its 1877 premiere was poorly received, but it has since become one of the most loved of all ballets. The twinned role of the radiant White Swan and the scheming, duplicitous Black Swan tests the full range of a ballerina's powers, particularly in the two great pas de deux of Acts II and III. Other highlights include the charming Dance of the Little Swans performed by a moonlit lake and sweeping ballroom waltzes in the splendour of the royal palace.
Anthony Dowell's glorious interpretation uses classical choreography created by Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa for the ballet's revised 1895 version. Dramatic costumes emphasize the contrast between human and spirit worlds, while glowing lanterns, shimmering fabrics and designs inspired by the work of Peter Carl Fabergé create a magical setting.

[@RoyalBalletAndOpera]

Join Royal Opera House Stream with your first month for just £1 to watch full length productions: www.roh.org.uk/StreamDF1 With our incredible ballets and operas, behind-the-scenes, Insights and exclusive series, Stream subscribers can watch the world’s greatest performers, emerging stars, leading choreographers and trailblazing creative teams from the comfort of their own home.

[@meganharrell4081]

She is INCREDIBLE! You can tell how dead her shoes are by this point, she has super strong feet!

[@Corisu]

I'm really new to ballet but I could tell too! I thought I was imagining it based on how well she handled it. What control!

[@paulaschmid3202]

She always wears the shoes like that

[@timothyflores8878]

Her shoes are always like that. I think its cuz of a bunion or something else

[@lilttlekevin89]

Can you explain what about them looks dead?

[@mauhey]

Osipova Is definitely one of the best. She got everything: lines, attitude, technique ....

[@clairedumureauful]

That last second just before Natalia exits the stage.....pure sass....perfect black swan!!

[@carjhb]

Yes! I love how she speeds thru the turns like a demon and then steps out of it with SUCH grace... Her arms, face, and poise are just perfection in that moment

[@siegfriedenea]

Expecially ‘cause she’s so sweet for the full solo (she’s lying to Prince Siegfried … dont forget) and just only in the last blink the evilness comes out. Simply great!

[@athenask6875]

Apart from her excellent technique,Natalia is also an actor within a dancer.It's what it takes to be a great dancer after all-to convince the audience,to tell the story with both your facial expressions and your body.always mesmerizing :D

[@magicalgrasshopper]

Athena Sk so true!! Unbelievable artist.. her giselle is phenomenal.. the way her eyes are filled with expression.. and then to see her versatility in different roles,the way she explodes on stage as kitri and then how she literally transforms into a sylph in les sylphides. She’s the most exciting dancer I’ve seen besides Acosta of course

[@balletshoes]

Athena Sk here is where I strongly disagree. To me Natalia is a weak actress as she aproaches all her roles from the same stand point - a child. Her expressions never match the mood and tone of the character - like here, her Odille, while technically spotless, is so benevolent even teenagely goofy. Unless it is a character that is known to be young and restless her faciala expressians are what makes her unpleasant to watch for me. I just can't take her seriously. Not to mention her expressions are very often over the top even for a stage performer. She either doesn't feel it, or is unable to be serious when needed.

[@meredithfrances9438]

I couldn’t agree more with you. It’s really what sets her apart. Her acting and response to the musicality is not grafted on to her performance as if her coach tells her exactly how to use her face and body. There are no mannerisms. It’s all authentic from within. Her Giselle is phenomenal. And she still looks youthful. I far, far prefer her performances to Marianela whose acting seems too scripted to me.

[@hridakshipareek1418]

It's amazing how she can embody Giselle so perfectly with her sweet, calm vibes and yet make the perfect evil black swan with her face reflecting sharpness .

[@ileanamuntean7338]

Yeah, she is also a great actress.

[@ellis1034]

Am I the only one just watching her feet the entire time because oh my god they are amazing

[@lovecinnamonxx]

The first thing I thought was: "holy crap, her FEET are insane!"

[@teaj.7240]

But the pointe shoes..... :(

[@piros100]

I hate myself for it but I really don't like her feet 😢😢 she das wonderful technique but this minor detail is still off putting me. I don't think those pointe shoes look flattering on her either. she is still an amazingly talented dancer.

[@deejayslowmotion6428]

You're not the only one.. Amazing leg and foot work

[@JustBeingAwesome]

Me tooooo!

[@deborahclem4901]

Trying to decide if her feet are self made or not. She doesn’t appear overly arched. Looks like she has put effort into her lines, which means she probably has wicked strong feet, which accounts for her wicked strong balance.

[@ashotofmercury]

She may be slightly flat-footed? I believe flat feet are generally stronger and, of course, don't look as arched..... 😊

[@dpara22]

She has beautiful insteps and arches ; just the shoes she prefers to wear ; are not really featuring her feet well. I also fell like she is maybe cutting or adjusting the shanks to make them more malleable... idk but she has very nice and strong feet

[@juley0721]

her pointe shoes are dead though...

[@deborahclem4901]

I’ve watched a few of her videos...her feet always look like they are so strong that they are chewing through the shoe. She is such a great dancer.

[@inesxxx4835]

@@juley0721 they look like that cos she's beating them up and changing them up before the performance cos she likes them soft😭

[@candywuyuxuan]

Her turn rhythm is literally the same as music rhythm , perfect overlap ........ so incredible !!!

[@JustBeingAwesome]

and those piqués in the middle! #yummmie

[@geeklinggirl]

I don’t understand how someone can turn so fast yet with so much control like DANG

[@isobelduncan]

A trick called spotting.

[@amarilysgonzalez4408]

Anyone thought the straps of her dress were falling but it was really just part of the dress

[@andgo1400]

Must have felt uncomfortable for the dancer to feel that constrain on her arms.

[@elizabethoconnor1493]

It's designed to be reminiscent of the famous Madame X painting and the dress she wears...a clever innuendo imo!

[@eurekamreum5458]

She has "Bolshoi" tattoed all over her body, her turns and lines are so sharp and precise. Amazing ballerina.

[@tromelamoses2869]

Even though she is using alot of effort and strength she still moves like a feather and is very graceful

[@caitlyn9609]

Her shoes are dead

[@ehidunno9737]

Not only is her dancing beautiful, her facial expressions are so perfect and add to the character. Her sly, conniving looks to the audience are the best

[@Drinkthedamncocoa]

Love the characterisation. Yes look evil girl. Some of these dancers be doing Odile looking like Giselle before she found out Albrecht was married.

[@camilasantosmachado8827]

found the perfect comparison hahahha

[@katherinec6031]

I legit saw the title and was like “but her expressions are usually so sweet! How could she play the black swan?” But the joke’s on me, the lady has RANGE

[@shamismuhammad]

Love it

[@Anna-vz5jl]

I’m left speechless in awe of her . She’s a powerhouse of Strength and Beauty. How does she move so fast like literally a spinning top . Watch her go . She’s unbelievable . Breathtaking

[@gnomemi]

The only dead thing here is her pointe shoes RIP

[@harperglasscock7930]

I'm guessing she must like them really really soft. They almost always seem dead in whatever she's dancing.

[@hannahhester8376]

Well, actually, in huge ballet shows like this, especially if you have a leading role, you have to replace your shoes, I think it's three times, every show. Because they just don't stay new.

[@hannahhester8376]

You could go onstage with a perfect pair of shoes, and come offstage with them completely dead and unusable.

[@MariihhK]

Excuse me, but how can you tell they are dead?

[@men_del12]

@@MariihhK I guess you'll get a R/ wooosh Edit: also it's a joke cause ballet shoes are meant to be broken since a new one is tight that the dancer must crack it abit (it takes many2 weeks as well just for practice to changes every loose shoe with the new one, which is too much)

[@saikyou1980]

Her technique is flawless

[@sarleo1dv]

The musicality KILL ME what is this it’s magic I cannot the so Controlled and still and balanced it’s umm perfect

[@paulwien65]

As always when Natalia is on stage not only a perfect dancer .. a real and true Artist on Stage with Body and Soul ..

[@pinkwings8036]

I've never heard this music paired with this scene, I've usually heard it in Act 1. It's almost too sweet and pretty for Odile, but Natalia still completely owns it!

[@kaetlynliddy1464]

Hi any idea what song this is?

[@thesilvershining]

@@kaetlynliddy1464 It’s from Tchaikovsky’s Op.72 piano piece called “L'espiègle” (“Mischievous Girl”) and it’s charming and fun to play. For the ballet it is slowed down a bit and seems sweeter but I still think it works well for Odile since she’s trying to seem sweet to trick everyone at the party. It’s a long story, but back when Marius Petipa and Modest Tchaikovsky revived the ballet in 1895 after Pyotr’s death, they moved music around (like the music for the Black Swan pas de deux is regularly used in act III now instead of act I) and also incorporated three extra songs from the Op. 72 piano pieces that were orchestrated by Drigo, the conductor who worked with them to get the ballet back on the stage. I think Drigo did a good job orchestrating this, but the purist in me gets irritated by its inclusion just because it’s not in Tchaikovsky’s original version of the ballet. However, some other productions cut whole numbers from his original score and I **really** don’t like that, lol. If you’d like to listen to the original piano piece it’s on Spotify and it’s so cute: open.spotify.com/track/4OuDKZ7hsO2qzasqBAvnBo?si=42kgjQ97SZ6Ng1DYvSCWlg

[@claudiaferrier6914]

Natalia is truly the most beautiful dancer I've ever had the privilege of watching perform, if only on KZbin. She is such an inspiration of mine!!

[@kitcat8716]

I have so much respect for ballet dancers. In marching band, I had to learn a little bit (and I mean the very basics) and it nearly killed me. The fact that these dancers dance with such precision and perfection blows me away

[@meredithfrances9438]

Without a doubt the finest performance of the black swan variation in my very long memory. I cannot think of another dancer at either the Royal (including Nela, not even close to Osipova) or any of the Russians at Bolshoi or Mariinsky (including Zhakarova). The standards even at the best US companies are not anywhere nearly as high - even at ABT; NYCB only does a truncated version and I’m not sure it includes this variation. Of course Fonteyn, was phenomenal but you can’t compare from that era to now. I imagine Darcey Bussell was amazing but, alas, I never saw her perform Swan Lake. Osipova is also untouchable as Odette as well. She is a force of nature with such incredible depth. Despite her very illustrious career I still feel she doesn’t get the recognition she deserves - especially at the Royal where people bow down to ?Nela. Perhaps it’s because Osipova is incredibly shy about speaking English (and in general).

[@DianaRebeca1]

Wholeheartedly agree

[@chimalmadanza8548]

Zakharova's great dance depends on her amazing lines and genetics, but she can't do the miracles Osipova does.

[@andydearmas]

Exactly! Osipova is hands down the best ballerina of this generation, i can’t think about any other ballerina that can compare to her, maybe in a future Maria Koshkaryova, but however she still needs to learn and grow a lot as an artist, and that’s not going to happen in a short period of time. Osipova was (and still is) one in a million.

[@ashleighmellon6631]

This is absolutely gorgeous to watch, those moves are so fluid and on point. Ballet is such a beautiful dance, yet so.... Underappreciated, as a student of the arts and culture, in my own time of course, I find that the arts, music and dance are great outlets for our stress relief and creativity, these dancers are absolutely amazing to watch. Am I right?

[@steemdup]

she's magical. so light on her feet, Ms Osipova is my favorite principal dancer

[@noblesetsentimentales]

Osipova usually wears very soft shoes, which she can afford to do because her feet are extremely strong. Also, can we please stop calling Gaynors "cheat" shoes? Dancers like Alina Cojocaru would have been forced into retirement decades ago if it weren't for these shoes, but I'd hardly call that cheating.

[@watermelonsloth6947]

I'm confused. I thought Gaynors were called cheat shoes bc they were so hard you don't need strong feet to perform in them. But if she likes a soft shoe why would she order such a hard shoe? I'm not a dancer (obviously :) but still curious. Thx.

[@letitiajackson4090]

@@watermelonsloth6947 it kinda depends on the dancer which one is easier but I think Osipova starts with a hard shoe but after an hour or so of dancing they end up dead because of how strong her feet are. Beginners normally start with s shoe that's soft enough that they can easily break it in but hard enough to keep them supported, more experienced dancers often get hard shoes to keep their feet strong but some get a really soft shoe because they're strong enough to handle it. It really does depend

[@kaonashiyakuza]

The control she has over her body....her facial expressions..... I'm awed

[@user-nf8db4rz8k]

Чудо, волшебство! Так и только так можно охарактеризовать выступление этой блестящей балерины. Браво, Наташа!!!

[@nazuo1308]

The way she gets in and out of every dance move is incredible

[@SmolChicken]

okay but we seriously need to talk about those ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL randé versés at 1:28. she didn't do them in an attitude like you normally would but she is able to bend her body enough to where she doesn't need to bend her leg at all!

[@shianchangaming]

The dance of the swans is so grace and charming

[@wabisabi7753]

NATALIA is GOLD!!!!!!!!!! one of the BEST nowadays dancers

[@nicolejarel5953]

Osipova and Zakharova are the most beautiful swans I have ever seen! To be honest, there are so many ballerinas who are breathtaking in this role.

[@Laura-wj8ti]

The control, the balance, the strength...*chefs kiss*

[@_autom]

Natalia's Black Swan is what first caught my attention on this ballerina extaordinaire - her artistry is so powerful, her dramatic interpretation simply blows my mind

[@nassimabk3714]

she represented the black swan's egoistically fun and free-spirited demeanor with such control and beauty. there's nothing left to say.

[@l.l.legion.9171]

She holds so much strength thru fast technique. Absolutely exquisite. Amazing upper body expression.

[@hannahrachelxo2281]

This 2 minute video is the epitome of ballet right here,,, such perfection! Gorgeous! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@fahriyedemir5495]

Brava! The exquisite control, flawless technique, musicality, soft and sensuality, seamless transitions....all amazing! She is my favorite ballerina

[@CristianoLaBozzetta]

This is amazing, I remembered Marianela in this part, and I rarely saw anyone as good as her, but Natalia she was on point. Bravo!

[@joshcrittendon9416]

Ooh, Osipova never ceases to impress me. I’d love to see her do Odette 💕

[@Irinasky]

Прекрасная Наталья, прекрасная школа русского балета.

[@poplife123]

Saw her last night at Covent Garden...... breathtaking

[@AnanyaShetty_]

The costumes are so gorgeous!!!! I would love to design those one day if I had the opportunity to do so

[@ingridsalamanca9967]

Fantástica, nadie como.Natalia, es una mujer increíble, con un gran talento. Que ¡¡admirable!!.

[@jocelyncheng8742]

Those shoes looks SUPER SOFT. She has incredible strength to be dancing in those!

[@steveiliev8912]

WOW! This is so unreal! Just perfect! She moves like a GHOST! There is no Odile like Osipova! PERIOD! 👏 🎉

[@alicexu5471]

I think I just witnessed perfection🙃 omg she’s incredible

[@carmen9330]

Natalia Osipova❤️ The best👌

[@lumi2431]

Her boxes are so soft oml 😭 her ankle and foot strength is incredible

[@astronotes3243]

she’s so beautiful ! technique wise and beauty wise 😍

[@KooKoo24]

Love seeing this in my recommendations after black swan was released

[@cybergyaru8144]

I rememberhow amazed by her I was on their graduation consert in ballet academia. I was just starting my ballet journey back than. I'm so glad youtube recomended this video

[@tearies6933]

This is my absolute dream to dance in this company! I’m hoping to go to their summer Intensive next year!

[@Kunjesvari]

Flawless and unbelievably gorgeous!!! ❤️‍🔥

[@TeresaDancerGirl]

She is one of my favorite dancers ever!!!! She is amazing!

[@maicolacostalemos]

She is a super ballerina!! I love her personality

[@Федор-щ8с]

Осипова фантазия...чудо..русская птичка в которую нельзя не влюбиться

[@Arilostie]

The straps to her outfit give me anxiety...

[@lilyisgoingbonkersofficial5415]

There are clear straps holding the tutu up, don’t worry! I had to double take for a second there too, the ribbons are merely decoration 😂

[@lilyisgoingbonkersofficial5415]

If you look really closely you can see the plastic strap glinting in the light from a few angles.

[@Arilostie]

The Strugglebus Saga ik but it looks uncomfortable and kind of unnatural so it just bothers me...

[@sydney3170]

Lil meow meow suga Is my god I've had costumes like that before for ballet and such with thin straps and normally they are quite fitted, there is a plastic strap, or mesh to keep it up

[@Arilostie]

sydney_ lived Thx for telling me! what i meant is that the way the straps fit on her body bother me but i appreciate all of y’all for informing me on what it really is!!

[@danavazquez7423]

Natalia is perfect for this role, amazing performance

[@geereol8437]

Just imagine what kind of hard work has been done to make this seem so effortless... Incredible!

[@nnyy4761-1s-tg]

何てイキイキしたオディールなんだろう❤️素敵です！

[@margaretwilliamson8997]

The power and grace behind ballet is spectacular. This is a beautiful performance!

[@lasharonbrown9454]

Costumes are so detailed and beautiful

[@carlosgervasio7653]

Her turns are so strong that the music sounds displaced in the choreography, but, at the same time, they totally match Odile’s distracting personality. Natalia is always beautiful to watch.

[@WhatHoification]

Her leaps are outstanding AMAZING😱

[@forrestforyou]

I really like this tutu, the way it’s constructed makes it flutter like actual feathers

[@sergiomatos3016]

A segurança e o charme são impressionantes. Produção impecável!!!!

[@pinkparis]

Run this video back and just focus on her expressions as Odile. She's a brilliant actress.

[@ruby203na]

Natalia Is One of a kind, generational talent for sure❤

[@hellohannahjennings]

No one compares to Natalia - absolute perfection ♥️

[@alicecooper6248]

She is the one and only.

[@hyejinlara9034]

Omg i love it...the dance is sooo perfect this is the best dancer ever

[@kauanezaratiniliteratura3496]

Perfect, as usual 🌹

[@miselle761]

I can see a black swan fluttering there for a moment🤩🤩🤩

[@sophie7780]

she's so on the music it's so satisfying to watch omg

[@lori4ka783]

this is maybe my favorite dance from swan lake and natalia did it perfcet🖤😍

[@dreamii5773]

So.. I was drinking water and when she went into her spins I honestly nearly spat it out. Her dancing is so clean. I really wanna go back to ballet it I really can’t. I already do a class…..maybe I might go back..

[@a.anfaani2471]

I love her dancing!

[@gabbidurham]

0:34 me; This looks easy Also me; *almost died after going up a flight of stairs*

[@mariaswardt5909]

No one like her. She's THE BEST!!

[@dtrix10kc]

Watching this in 2020. My goodness she's a special talent. Simply beautiful. ❤

[@analuizaparreiras5496]

She is the best ive ever saw

[@ro88o000o]

She is the best dancer I have ever seen. Incredible

[@esejsnake1503]

1:08 That fits so well! Great version.

[@peachyvgk1497]

imagine being able to have your feet not go into spasm just so you can point your toes. couldn't be me.

[@heyryanisonx3141]

That used to happen to me when I first started ballet, it went away after a few weeks

[@anazaeid]

Perfect point. She is awesome.

[@cococollective-cocoregina7074]

Let's hear it for the set design. WAOW!

[@Rose0004]

The most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

[@SirenUniverse381]

Astonishing and mesmerizing!

[@shamismuhammad]

I did the black swan dance and I learnt from watching her but the only thing I can’t do in all types of ballet is control myself at the end but she is sooooooo good at it

[@BrunaPacheco]

Perfect role for her. My favourite dancer!

[@Anna-vz5jl]

The last 6 seconds of Natalia omg just incredible 🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢

[@erin_the_extra2329]

I don’t have a foot fetish but if I did I would watch Natalia Osipova’s entire collected works for that purpose alone

[@gerritduplessis7122]

ONLY BEYOND INCREDIBLE!! MOST FABULOUS!! THANK YOU!! BLESSINGS!! EVERYONE!!

[@bellepulchra5816]

She deserves being the principal dancer of the Royal Ballet. RB is lucky to have her. An excellent decision to have recruited her.

[@faithkidwell9757]

My feet hurt just by watching this But she is freaking amazing

[@giuliastefanyreis8022]

She is so... graceful

[@CanalDoJoshua]

OMG her jumps!!! 😱😍

[@head_in_the_clouds]

She is beyond fantastic!