SWANS

Swans, December 20th at Paribu Art Stage The Tan Sağtürk Young Ballet Association makes history in Turkey. This young and dynamic group, composed of classical ballet and hip hop dancers, brings Swan Lake to life under Duende Global production. In this special production where dance, music, and technology meet, they present a stage language that is young, powerful, and contemporary—going beyond classical molds.

About the Work – “Swans” Presented by the Tan Sağtürk Young Ballet Association and produced by Duende Global, “Swans” is an immersive stage experience running approximately 75 minutes across two acts. It combines modern and neo-classical ballet approaches. While Tchaikovsky’s timeless music is re-arranged to suit contemporary aesthetics, the work promises a show that is both familiar and full of surprises. Accompanying the young ballet group, the hip hop dancers add a different rhythm, energy, and physical power to the structure. In this interpretation, Rothbart and his companions appear not just as individual characters, but as the physical embodiment of dark power, coming to life on stage with a collective and powerful movement language. The role of Rothbart is performed by a young dancer who is the European Hip Hop Champion.

The classic conflict between good and evil is made visible through intense group scenes and physical theatricality, while the contrast between the white and black swans transforms into a striking visual composition on stage. One of the most striking innovations of the work is the reinterpretation of classical ballet style blended with contemporary dance. This approach offers the audience an unexpected, dynamic, and entertaining stage experience. Staying true to the essence of the classic Swan Lake story, “Swans” ends on a hopeful note where goodness and love triumph over darkness. The work brings together a structure nourished by its roots with contemporary aesthetics, youthful energy, and a multi-layered stage language.

Synopsis – “SWANS / Swan Lake” “SWANS” re-examines the classic Swan Lake story through a contemporary stage language. The goodness and purity represented by the white swans face dark forces. Rothbart and the hip hop dancers representing him make this darkness visible on stage with a strong and collective movement language. A love that arises between a young prince and Odette lies at the heart of the story. Clowns and acrobatic dances add joy, movement, and freedom to the narrative. The classical ballet language combines with hip hop and contemporary dance to create a dynamic structure. Music, dance, and technology intertwine on stage. The story progresses through the contrast between the white and black swans. “SWANS” concludes with a hopeful finale, remaining true to its essence as goodness and love triumph over darkness.