Come and Take It Dance presents ‘Swan Lake’ at The Crystal Theatre

This weekend, the enchanting ballet "Swan Lake" will grace the stage at The Crystal Theatre, presented by "Come and Take It Dance."

Audiences can immerse themselves in this timeless classic on Saturday, June 8, with performances at noon and 7 p.m., and a final show on Sunday, June 9, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.comeandtakeitdance.com.

A Brief History of "Swan Lake"

"Swan Lake," one of the most enduring and beloved classical ballets, was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875-76. The ballet premiered at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow 1877, but it was not immediately successful. The initial production received mixed reviews. However, it was the 1895 revival by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg that solidified "Swan Lake" as a classic, forming the basis for most modern productions.

Key Trivia Point

● Dual Role Challenge: The role of Odette/Odile is one of the most challenging in ballet, requiring the dancer to portray both the gentle, innocent Odette and the cunning, seductive Odile.

Performance Synopsis

Act 1:

• Scene 1: Castle Courtyard: Prince Siegfried celebrates his birthday with his tutor and friends. His mother, the Queen, reminds him of his duty to choose a bride. Despite the pressure, Siegfried just wants to enjoy the festivities. They decide to go hunting at a nearby lake.

• Scene 2: Lake Shore: While his companions prepare to hunt swans, Siegfried stays back and encounters Odette, a woman under a spell. She reveals that only true love can break the curse on her and her companions. Siegfried promises to help, but their moment is interrupted by the arrival of his friends and the warning of Odette's nemesis, the sorcerer Rothbart.

Act 2:

• Scene 3: Castle Courtyard: A grand ball takes place with guests from different lands. Potential brides vie for Siegfried's attention. Rothbart appears with his daughter, Odile, who resembles Odette. Siegfried is bewitched by Odile's beauty and mistakenly pledges his love to her.

Act 3:

• Scene 4: Lake Shore: At midnight by the lake, Odette reveals to her companions that Siegfried has betrayed her. Siegfried arrives, realizing his mistake and begging for forgiveness. He engages in a battle with Rothbart, emerging victorious and breaking the curse. Siegfried declares his love for Odette, and they embrace, promising to be together forever.

Special Guests and Performers

• Guest Artists: Ariana Dewing and Brandon Forrest.

• Dancers: Abigail Hornung, Alexandra Rivas, Gabriela Rivas, Gary Franco, Hannah Atkinson, Jessica McKinney, Jessica Rivas, John Lushefski, Jonah Goodwin, Katelyn Evans, KayAuni Falks, Leah Tuch, Lizet Guerra, Monica Atkinson, Natalia Moncada, Nicky McKinney, Nora Falks, Rubi De Leon, and Shaila Zuniga.

• Pre-Ballet Performers: Anna Hardcastle, Audrey Raley, Cora Sultemeier, Delilah DeBerry, Esther Shcolnik, Liberty Gallegos, and Sophia Pechina.

After-Show Events

Following the Saturday, June 8, evening performance, join the cast at the "After Party" at San Antonio Distillery at 9 p.m., open to all attendees. On Sunday, June 9, at 5 p.m., the "Meet the Swans Gala" at Belle Oaks Inn offers a more exclusive experience, requiring a ticket. Don’t miss this enchanting performance and the chance to mingle with the stars of "Swan Lake." Secure your tickets now at www.comeandtakeitdance.com.