It took Angelin Preljocaj 50 years before he felt ready to tackle the “Everest” that is Swan Lake. The French choreographer and two of his leading dancers tell Rhys Ryan about the creation of Ballet Preljocaj’s modern, ecological production, which is headed for Brisbane.

Ballet Preljocaj dancers form a group and sway their arms, giving the appearance of a swan.
The swans in Ballet Preljocaj’s Swan Lake. Photo © JC Carbonne

No ballet has so captivated the imaginations of both artists and audiences as Swan Lake. Countless creatives have tackled the spellbinding story of the bewitched swan and the sweeping romance of Tchaikovsky’s score. For contemporary choreographers especially, it proves irresistible fodder. From Matthew Bourne to Dada Masilo, Graeme Murphy to...