Achieving the role of Odette/Odile in Swan Lake is an honor, something many dancers strive for. But it’s without a doubt one of the biggest physical, technical, and emotional challenges a dancer can ever face. Long before Black Swan pulled back a fictional and highly exaggerated curtain on the mind games the white and black swan roles can play, the challenge was clear. In other words—wait, how many fouetté turns are in that choreography? The Saint Petersburg State Russian Ballet brings what so many consider to be the ultimate ballet to the stage during a seven-city tour across the United States. The dancers—esteemed Vaganova Ballet Academy graduates (so were Anna Pavlova and Mikhail Baryshnikov)—are technically savvy and well-versed at impressing sold-out crowds. See the drama and heavy beauty of Swan Lake at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora St. Tickets are $43.50-163.50. Call 214-871-5000 or visit attpac.org.
Tue., April 21, 7 p.m.; Wed., April 22, 7 p.m., 2015