Northern Ballet and Ballet de l’Opéra National de Bordeaux have announced an exciting new co-production of Swan Lake, bringing a fresh perspective to one of the most celebrated works in classical ballet.
Set to Tchaikovsky‘s unforgettable score, the new production will be choreographed by Rachel Beaujean, whose distinguished career as both a dancer and choreographer has seen her develop acclaimed adaptations of some of ballet’s most enduring masterpieces.
The new Swan Lake will premiere in Bordeaux in 2026 before embarking on a major UK tour with Northern Ballet during the 2027-28 season.
Beaujean was a dancer for 20 years and worked with Dutch National Ballet for 50 years. As a choreographer, she is best known for adaptations of ballets such as Les Sylphides, Giselle, Paquita, Raymonda and most recently La Bayadere.
Choreographer Rachel Beaujean said:
“My love for classical ballet has guided me in the direction of creating productions that show the “jewels of choreography” from the past while updating the storytelling so that audiences of today can relate and enjoy our heritage.”
Odette has been raised as a swan to protect her from the king who stole her mother’s crown, while her mother plots to reclaim the kingdom. In human form, Odette falls in love with Prince Siegfried, but their love refuses to be a pawn in their parents’ pursuit of power, even as tragedy threatens to tear them apart.
Beaujean uses the surrounding narrative to give depth to her character’s journeys, where Odette’s final metamorphosis is no longer an inevitability, but an act of independence and freedom.
The creative team for Swan Lake is completed by set and costume designs from Colin Richmond (Northern Ballet’s Merlin) and lighting by Alastair West (Northern Ballet’s Casanova).
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