As the closing performance of this year’s China Shanghai International Arts Festival, American Ballet Theatre (ABT) makes a grand appearance with its iconic classic ballet Swan Lake. Hailed as a national treasure of American ballet, ABT has earned worldwide acclaim for its dedication in preserving the classics while pursuing continual innovation over more than eight decades. The production, choreographed by former Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie, is based on the legendary 1895 version by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. While faithfully preserving the essence of classical ballet, it also incorporates contemporary stage aesthetics. The magnificent set design, the precision and unity of the corps de ballet in the swan scenes and Tchaikovsky’s immortal score come together to create a spectacular theatrical experience filled with poetic beauty and dramatic intensity, bringing this year’s festival to a radiant and triumphant close.
