SWAN LAKE

This is a story which crosses the world of magic and mystical creatures with that of the real world. It is a story where betrayal and power are in the end conquered by the virtues of love and forgiveness.
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ACT I

Count Von Rothbart is an evil sorcerer whose true form is reminiscent of a bird. He lives as a human among the mortals at court, playing the role of Prince Siegfried's mentor. Rothbart awaits his chance to fulfill his promise to his daughter, Odile. No matter what the cost he will marry her to the Prince and thus allow her to become human.

It is the day before the Prince's coming of age, a time when he must marry and inherit the kingdom. Prince Siegfried has wandered ahead of the hunting party. He is soon found by his best friend, Benno, and the rest of the party. Amidst the youthful merriment, the Queen arrives with an unusual guest. Siegfried assumes she is just another of the arriving princesses hoping to catch his eye, but he is caught by her beauty and sensuality. She is in fact Rothbart's daughter Odile. As Siegfried dances with her, he realizes that there is an insincerity about this woman and dismisses her. The Queen is troubled by her son's actions and points out that he must marry. She gives him the family ring which he must give to his betrothed.

When the hunt continues, Siegfried remains behind with Benno contemplating his future and the loss of his youth. Rothbart conspires to lure Siegfried to the enchanted lake. He presents the Prince with a bow and convinces Benno and Siegfried to follow him. The men agree, but when the Prince arrives at the lake he finds himself alone.

Out of the lake appears a swan who, upon landing, transforms into a delicate maiden. She is Odette, the queen of the swans. The Prince has never beheld such a gentle beauty and cannot stay hidden. Odette is shocked to see a human there and tries to fly back to the lake, but realizes she cannot fly away. Being night time, her wings have transformed into arms. As they stare into each others eyes, their love and fate are determined. Sensing the approach of Rothbart, Odette flees. The other swan-maidens emerge from the lake. They become frightened when Siegfried appears with his bow. Odette returns to protect her swans, and together they dance for the Prince. Finally Siegfried confesses his love and begs Odette to attend the ball the following evening so that he may introduce her as his betrothed. Siegfried confirms his intentions by giving Odette the family ring. As Odette transforms back to a swan, she must relinquish the ring she may not wear as a swan. Von Rothbart steals the ring and gives it to Odile to take to the ball.

ACT II

The court is joyously celebrating the Prince's birthday and excitedly awaiting his choice of bride. Benno introduces the princesses as they arrive from Spain, Hungary and Italy eager to win the Prince. With the herald of trumpets the Queen and her son arrive. The Queen is quick to point out the would-be brides. The princesses almost attack the prince with their eagerness, but Siegfried is not interested. The court is surprised by the arrival of Rothbart accompanied by Odile who pretends to be Odette. The Prince is excited in the belief that Odette has accepted his invitation to the ball. Just as he would catch her, Odile is gone. The other princesses take this as their cue to vie for Siegfried's attention.

When the real Odette appears Rothbart quickly freezes the court and uses Odette to convince the Prince that Odile is his beloved. This goal accomplished, Rothbart expels Odette and revives the court. Odile, the black swan, is radiant and proceeds to dance with the Prince.

Benno alone remains unconvinced of Odile's identity and demands that Siegfried ask Odile to show the wedding ring which he gave to Odette. Odile slyly walks forwards and presents the ring for all to see. Siegfried is elated and swears his love to Odile. With success theirs, Rothbart releases his spell and Odette runs in. Siegfried, totally at a loss as to what has transpired, follows the horrified Odette out of the palace with Odile and Rothbart close behind.

Back at the lake the swans lament what has taken place and attempt to console Odette. When Siegfried enters the swans leave, but Odette remains to feel her loved one's embrace and to comfort his folly. They are interrupted by Odile and Rothbart who enter in their real forms. Rothbart reminds Siegfried of his oath to Odile. Torn between his word and his love for Odette, Siegfried abandons this world by leaping into the lake. Odile and Odette are both distraught. The swans unite and drive the evil sorcerer and his daughter into the water. Slowly the flock embraces their beloved Odette and quiet her cries of sorrow until she accepts her fate in the comfort of their love.

from: balletmet