artLIVE – In response to Saigon audiences’ enduring love for the art of ballet, HBSO brought back the timeless classic Swan Lake for two enchanting nights, November 8 and 9, at the Saigon Opera House.
This revival is not only a heartfelt tribute to art lovers but also a chance for ballet enthusiasts who missed the first staging to finally experience the legendary masterpiece in all its splendor.
A powerful Swan Lake at the Saigon Opera House
HBSO’s (Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera) production of Swan Lake returned to the Saigon Opera House to a completely sold-out audience. The theater was filled with spectators of all ages, and notably, the strong presence of young attendees reflected Saigon’s increasingly refined and open-minded appreciation for ballet. Despite being a revival, the performance retained its full artistic strength, radiating the classical beauty and lyrical emotion that have long defined the enduring allure of Swan Lake.
Swan Lake is one of the most renowned ballets by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, first written between 1875 and 1876. Building on the timeless original, HBSO’s Vietnamese adaptation continues to captivate audiences with its meticulous execution and professional spirit. The dancers’ graceful, fluid, and perfectly synchronized movements blend seamlessly with the music, recreating the classical beauty and refined elegance that define ballet.
Each performer not only dances but also acts through their eyes and expressions. Every hand gesture and turn conveys the character’s inner world – from shyness and fragility to an intense yearning for freedom. The dancers’ impressive precision and strength in executing challenging techniques reveal their dedication and rigorous training behind the scenes.
The tragic romance of Swan Lake
Swan Lake unfolds in three acts, telling the fateful love story between Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette, who has been transformed into a swan by the sorcerer Rothbart.
In Act I, set against the festive atmosphere of the royal court, Prince Siegfried receives a bow from his mother and is reminded that he must choose a bride at the upcoming ball. Weary of the meaningless festivities, he leaves the palace and wanders into a shimmering lakeside forest. There, he encounters a flock of swans, led by Odette – a young princess cursed to take human form only at night. Under the silver moonlight, they dance together and vow that their love will one day break the spell.
In Act II, during the grand ball, the sorcerer Rothbart appears with his daughter Odile, who disguises herself as Odette. Enchanted and deceived, Siegfried pledges his vow to the wrong princess. Upon realizing the truth, he rushes to the lake to find Odette.
In Act III, back at the lakeside, Siegfried seeks Odette to atone for his mistake. Together, they leap from the cliff, breaking the curse through their love and sacrifice. Rothbart’s magic is undone as their love reaches its fulfillment in the next life.
The mark of choreographers and artists in Swan Lake
Under the direction of choreographer Johanne Jakhelln Constant and the artistic guidance of Dr. – Conductor Lê Ha My, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera, Swan Lake returns in a version meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail. The performance offers Saigon audiences a complete artistic experience, where technique, emotion, and music merge into a vivid classical masterpiece.
The highlight of the evening was special guest Chika Tatsumi in the role of Odile (the Black Swan). Beginning her professional journey at age 13 at the Shenyang Dance Academy in China and continuing her studies in the Netherlands, Chika is now a familiar face to Vietnamese audiences through her stunning performances with the Arabesque Dance Company.
In addition, Swan Lake brought together a talented ensemble of young artists from the HBSO Ballet Company: Đỗ Hoàng Khang Ninh (Odette – The Swan Queen), Lê Đức Anh (Prince Siegfried), Sùng A Lùng (Rothbart the Sorcerer), Phạm Thế Phương (the Prince’s Friend), alongside performers from the Intermediate Dance School, Sasa Ballet, and HBSO Ballet Company.
Đỗ Hoàng Khang Ninh, a familiar face at HBSO, has left her mark in numerous solo roles in classical ballets such as The Nutcracker, Giselle, Cinderella, and Ballet Kiều, as well as contemporary works like Saigon Café and Sunset. Her portrayal of Odette (the Swan Queen) is regarded as a milestone, marking a significant step in her artistic development.
Meanwhile, Lê Đức Anh, a young artist who won the “Promising Young Dancer” award at the National Dance Talent Competition, delivered a powerful portrayal of Prince Siegfried. Having begun his dance journey at age 13, he has performed in major productions such as Giselle and The Nutcracker, establishing the strong presence of HBSO’s next generation of artists.
With sold-out performances after years of careful preparation, HBSO has proven its ability to conquer the pinnacle of classical arts. Swan Lake not only offered Sai Gon audiences legendary, visually stunning, and emotionally rich moments but also reflected the growing appetite for high-level artistic experiences among the public.
Photo: The organizer
