Some evenings begin long before the curtain rises, and Friday evening’s performance of Swan Lake at the London Coliseum was one of them.
Before the ballet, a small, invite-only gathering were treated to a fascinating pre-show talk with Nina Ananiashvili, Artistic Director of the State Ballet of Georgia and former Bolshoi prima ballerina. I always enjoy hearing the people behind a production speak because it reminds us that what we eventually witness on stage is just the final piece of an enormous creative journey. Listening to Nina talk so openly about the company, the dancers and her vision for Swan Lake brought an added depth to the evening. Her warmth, humility and obvious passion for the art form were evident throughout, and by the time the auditorium lights dimmed, I felt even more connected to what was about to unfold.
There are certain pieces of music that need no introduction, and as the Royal Ballet Sinfonia Orchestra with Conductor Levan Jagaev began Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, a hush seemed to fall across the entire theatre. Hearing such familiar music performed live is something recordings can never quite replicate. The orchestra played beautifully, bringing both power and tenderness to every scene. There were moments when I almost forgot to watch the stage because I was so captivated by the richness of the music rising from the pit.
The London Coliseum itself deserves a mention. There is something wonderfully reassuring about walking through its doors. Grand and elegant without ever feeling intimidating, it has that rare ability to make every visit feel like an occasion. Looking up at the ornate ceilings and beautiful architecture before the performance even begins reminds you that theatre is about the whole experience, not simply what happens on the stage.
The warmth of the Coliseum staff also never goes unnoticed. From the moment we arrived, everyone we encountered was welcoming, friendly and genuinely helpful. It’s often the little things that stay with you, and their kindness added to what already felt like a very special evening. As for Swan Lake itself, it’s easy to understand why it has remained one of the world’s most loved ballets for generations. Unlike many productions today, there are no words to guide you. Everything is conveyed through movement, music and expression. A simple glance, the curve of an arm or the gentlest shift in posture somehow communicates joy, longing, fear and heartbreak.
The corps de ballet were simply mesmerising. Watching so many dancers move together with such astonishing precision is almost hypnotic. Every line seemed perfectly placed, every movement perfectly timed. It looked effortless, yet you know it is the result of years upon years of relentless training, discipline and trust in one another. There is something incredibly moving about witnessing that level of dedication. Special mention should also go to the principal dancers. Nino Samadashvili who was captivating as Odette and Odile, bringing an elegance and emotional sensitivity to the role that made it impossible to look away. Her transformation from the fragile, ethereal White Swan to the confident, beguiling Black Swan was beautifully judged, demonstrating not only exceptional technique but wonderful storytelling. Alongside her, Oleg Ligai portrayed Prince Siegfried with warmth and sincerity, creating a believable partnership that allowed the love story at the heart of the ballet to shine. Together they balanced technical brilliance with genuine emotion, reminding us that ballet isn’t simply about perfect steps it’s about making us feel something, and they certainly did that.
The principal dancers brought both grace and emotional honesty to their performances. The story unfolded naturally, never feeling exaggerated or overplayed. Instead, it invited the audience to slow down, to notice the detail and to simply sit with the emotions that the music and choreography evoke.
I found myself thinking how refreshing that feels. In a world where we’re constantly encouraged to move faster, consume more and rarely sit still, Swan Lake gently asks us to do the opposite. To be present. To observe. To appreciate beauty for beauty’s sake.
As we made our way out into the warm London evening, I realised I felt calmer than when I’d arrived. Not because the story is particularly comforting, it isn’t, but because there is something deeply nourishing about watching exceptionally talented people dedicate themselves so completely to their craft.
The pre-show conversation with Nina Ananiashvili, the magnificent orchestra, the breathtaking dancers, the beauty of the London Coliseum and the warmth of its staff all combined to create far more than an evening at the ballet. It was one of those experiences that quietly reminds you why live performance continues to matter.
A truly beautiful evening, and one that will stay with me for a long time.
Swan Lake continues at London Coliseum until 26th July all information and tickets can be found here https://londoncoliseum.
Reviewer: Mary Fogg
On:17th July
