When we think of Ukraine, unfortunately, we think of war.
It’s a sad reality that a deadly war is going on in Ukraine right now.
It is somewhat ironic that, at the same time, the nation of Ukraine could send beautiful and peaceful music and dance to the United States.
The State Ballet Theater of Ukraine will perform Swan Lake's magical tale at the Saenger Theatre in Mobile on Tuesday, January 7, at 7:30 PM.
You can immerse yourself in Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece with mesmerizing choreography, breathtaking sets and gorgeous costumes designed by a renowned Ukrainian artist.
Tickets are available online.
It is also ironic that Swan Lake was written by a Russian composer and first performed many times in Moscow. The Russians boldly claim the composer and the composition, brushing off German counter-claims.
Now, that Russian composition is the premiere performance of the Ukrainian State Theater.
Music is a universal language. So is dance.
Swan Lake is a ballet by Russian composer Tchaikovsky from 1875–76. It was initially a failure but is now one of the most popular ballets of all time.
The scenario was modeled after Russian and German folk tales about Odette, a princess who was turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse.
Swan Lake was a commissioned piece. Tchaikovsky composed it at breakneck speed, partly because he was excited about it and partly so he could get paid sooner. He created it in less than a year.
The Alabama performance is part of a national tour.
In addition to Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky composed The Nutcracker, the 1812 Overture, Romeo and Juliet and the opera Eugene Onegin.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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