THE St Petersburg Ballet Theatre are performing the popular classic love story Swan Lake as part of their tenth anniversary UK tour. Prince Siegfried falls for Odile, a beautiful woman, trapped in the form of a swan. She is held in thrall to a wicked sorcerer, whose spell can only be broken by true love.

Irina Kolesnikova, the company's prima ballerina, takes the dual role of Odile/Odette. Her effortless dancing brings the tale to life; as a swan she is captivating and vulnerable, only to become commanding and cruel as the sorcerer's accomplice.

The supporting dancers are equally talented. Dymchik Saykeev, makes a compelling villain as Count Von Rothbart. In contrast, court jester Dmitry Shevtsov is deliciously frivolous; his dancing so light he seems to float across the stage.

The company really shines in the last two acts. The pace changes constantly; from poignant lovers' pas de deux to dramatic clashes with the scheming Count. The exquisite foreign pageant sequence shows off the dancers' skill; unusual steps are enhanced by gorgeous exotic costumes, whilst the polished orchestral accompaniment beautifully complements the dancing.

The only place the production falls down is the scenery. Act One's backdrop has clearly seen better days, whilst the moving swan in Act Two is distinctly wobbly. However, these trivialities are incidental; what remains is a sense of grace and power, and a moving interpretation of a timeless story.

* Until tomorrow. Tickets: 0870-905 5061.

Published: 18/02/2005