On June 20, 2025, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts welcomed Miami City Ballet in their West Coast Premiere of Alexei Ratmansky’s “Swan Lake”.
Former Artistic Director, Lourdes Lopez, selected the masterly Ukrainian born, Bolshoi trained Ratmansky to choreograph this sumptuous production. The style is classic Russian ballet, originally choreographed by Václav Reisinger in 1877 for the Bolshoi, then again by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov on January 27, 1895 with music composed by Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky for the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Ratmansky’s version is historic in many aspects even down to the original length of the Bell tutus and classic movement of arms, head and shoulders, often missing in more contemporary technique. Ratmansky’s intelligent and careful exploration communicates a spirit of humanity that adds a joyous and dramatic appeal.
MCB’s production of Alexei Ratmansky’s “Swan Lake” – Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.
The bountiful cast of the well-rehearsed corps members, embellished this beautifully-paced tale. It clearly reveals the historic and intelligently crafted classic as a work of art. Alexei and wife Tatiana Ratmansky returned to Vladimir Stepanov’s notes from the original Petipa/Ivanov ballet, helping to reveal the origin of this timeless work.
With the entrance of Stanislav (Stas) Olshanskyi, as Prince Siegfried, tall, stately with clean and elegant lines and technique, effortlessly enhanced and filled the stage with his powerful presence. Trained at Kyiv State Choreographic School from the age of 9 and seasoned at The National Ballet of Ukraine in Kyiv, Viktor Yaremenko, noted teacher and Premiere danseuse, inspired Olshanskyi to seek his own future as a premiere dancer. And succeed he did! As the magnetic and handsome Prince Siegfried, one could not imagine a more princely lead. The Swan Queen, danced by the lovely long-limbed Dawn Atkins took on the exhaustive 3 acts with great aplomb and courage.
MCB – Dawn Atkins in “Swan Lake”. Choreography by Alexei Ratmansky – Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.
To see Atkins and Olshanskyi discover each other and then aided by Siegfried’s friend Benno, (Damian Zamorano) who was a fascinating romantic go-between or translator for their love. In a lyrical pas de trois between the Prince, Odette and Benno, the concept managed to create heightened ardor by keeping the Prince and Odette at just the right distance to strengthen their desire for each other.
Considering the strength one needs to carry the whole ballet, the unearthly stamina and control by the ballerina cast as Odette and Odile it takes so much more than luck to carry it off. The need does not only require the ballerina to have acting facility, beauty, the fire and intoxicating élon, but the strength and technique required for nearly constant dancing for two 1/2 hours. The “Black Swan,” anticipated in the 2nd Act (in this version), ran into problems with the awaited double attitude turns into arabesque. Then with agonizing repetition of a sudden falling off pointe, it became less recoverable. It was a relief when Atkins could finally move beyond it. It was unclear whether it was shoes, strength or constitution. Her otherwise lovely work, brought to mind how the likes of Osipova, Mearse, Murphy, Nunez’s, even Alonzo, made ready for such a major role.
MCB – Stanislav Olshanskyi and Dawn Atkins in “Swan Lake” – Choreography by Alexei Ratmansky – Photo by Alexander Iziliaev
The sumptuous sets and costumes by the brilliant Jérôme Kaplan were fashioned after the 1895 production. With its dazzling colors and textures it was a true feast for the senses. The lighting by Mark Stanley allowed for shades of the afternoon sun which accentuated the yellows, orangey/reds, blues and greens of the costumes and sets. Even a gigantic maypole with colorful ribbons and weavings inspired circles of couples in joyous pursuit of movement; whilst in proceeding acts the deep blue of the moonlit lake pulled one into the passion and drama of the story. Ratmansky’s skillful Greek Chorus-like choreography elevated the corps with picture perfect-patterns and final designs to transport this fairytale to a height of aesthetic perfection.
MCB’s production of Alexei Ratmansky’s “Swan Lake” – Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.
There were many very special moments featured throughout the ballet, like the mime that was used to clearly mark the relationships between characters and helped support the subtleties as dance made way for the spirit of the unfolding story. Also, the striking arrival and presence of Siegfried’s tall queenly Mother, played by the stunning Hannah Fischer, who like Olshanskyi commanded full attention seemingly without trying. The delightful Pas de trois in Act I, performed by Mayumi Enokibara, Taylor Naturkas and Alexander Peters helped set up the charming gathering of Act I. And always one of the favorites, the Four Swans, danced by Mayumi Enokibara, Suzette Logue, Lily Maulsby and Nicole Stalker as they all moved nearly as one. Of course, a highlight in Act II was the character dances; the back-bending Spanish, lilting Neapolitan, and always exciting Czardas and rousing Polish dance. All added an additional exhilarating element to the festivities.
MCB – Dawn Atkins and Stanislav Olshankyi in “Swan Lake” Choreography by Alexei Ratmansky – Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.
As the evening came to a close, Ratmansky’s choice was to have Siegfried and Odette be together in the final strains of Tchaikovsky’s masterful score, conducted by Gary Sheldon. Rather than being torn apart after Rothbart’s (Cameron Catazaro) evil pursuits, they leapt to their ending together as Rothbart flies off to the underground, with the image of Siegfried and Odette floating across the sky supported by a gleaming swan to end this inspiring production.
This evening was an opportunity to bask in this outstanding work, a magnificent representation of Alexei Ratmansky’s influence on The Miami City Ballet’s exquisite production of “Swan Lake”. Hopefully, this will be the first in the company’s many visits gracing the Segerstrom stage. This glorious work creates love and hope that is a reminder that there is beauty in this world today that exists in the arts. Thanks to those who support such accomplishments.
For more information about the Miami City Ballet, please visit their website.
For more information about the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, please visit their website.
Written by Joanne DiVito for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: MCB – Dawn Atkins and Stanislav Olshankyi in “Swan Lake” Choreography by Alexei Ratmansky – Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.
