Theatre
6 reasons you need to see the St Petersburg Ballet
More often than not, going to the ballet is one of those things that we daydream about but never do.
Well we’re here to rectify all that. We sent our very own Blog Editor, and total ballet newbie, Jessica Bridgeman, along to see the St Petersburg Ballet in Melbourne to find out what it’s really all about.
Here are six reasons she thinks a) you need to witness the performance for yourself and b) you’ll absolutely love it.
1. It’s much easier to follow than you think
If you’re anything like us, when you think of going to the ballet, you think you need a life’s worth of knowledge behind you. Worry not, the iconic narrative of Swan Lake is surprisingly straight forward and the beautiful performance simply speaks for itself.
2. It’s relatable. No, really.
The enchanting story of Odette, a princess who is turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer, may not immediately sound like your average weekend but hear us out. The love story that unfolds between Odette and Prince Siegfried is a classic tale where true love conquers all. You’ll be cheering (silently) in your seat before you even realise it.
3. It’s a real treat
Whether you’re full into the festive season or looking to sprinkle some Christmas magic on your week, a night in the company of this talented ballet company is a quick route to feeling all warm and fuzzy in time for the holiday season.
4. The soundtrack is STUNNING
Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, composed in 1875-76, remains one of the most-loved ballets well over 100 years after it was first performed. Not only is it overwhelmingly emotional, this is a showcase of pure technical perfection.
5. You’ll be blown away by the skill
They certainly make it look easy but the St Petersburgh Ballet is comprised of some of the most skilled performers across the world. You don’t need to know the technical name for each move to be truly mesmerised as they dance across the stage.
6. It looks great on Instagram
‘What am I up to tonight? Oh, just going to the ballet…’ Yep, that’s right, the ballet is officially the best thing to brag about on social media. Trust us, we’ve tried it.
You can see St Petersburg Ballet this week at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre perform Swan Lake until 15 December and Nutcracker between 16 – 17 December. The production then moves on to Sydney Lyric Theatre.
