Swan Lake is a ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875-76 and is now one of the most popular ballets of all time. The story of Swan Lake is a tale of love and betrayal that centers around the young Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette. Here is a summary of the story:
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Prologue: Princess Odette encounters the wicked Von Rothbart while taking a solitary walk by the lake. Overcome with fear, she turns and runs in the hope of escaping his evil power. However, she is not quick enough, and Von Rothbart casts a spell on Odette, transforming her into a swan.
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Act I: At the lakeside, the prince encounters a magnificent flock of swans. In awe, he aims his crossbow when suddenly one of the swans is transformed into a beautiful woman. It is Odette, Queen of the Swans. The prince is captivated by her soulful countenance and starts to approach her, but she becomes frightened and turns from him. When he assures her that he means no harm, Odette reveals to him that she and her companions have been placed under a spell by the wicked Von Rothbart.
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Act II: The prince invites Odette to a ball at his palace, hoping to break the spell. Von Rothbart, however, has other plans and sends his daughter, Odile, disguised as Odette, to the ball. The prince is tricked into declaring his love for Odile, and Odette, heartbroken, flees back to the lake.
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Act III: The swans are grieving for their queen. With Siegfried’s broken vow, Odette’s hopes for love and freedom have vanished. Distraught, the prince enters and explains to his beloved that he, too, was betrayed by the evil magician. He begs Odette’s forgiveness and explains that he could never love another. Odette understands and forgives him. Nevertheless, the fatal error condemns her to remain a swan. Instead, she determines that she will die.
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Act IV: Von Rothbart endeavors to drive Siegfried away and keep Odette for himself, but the prince fights back. In the end, both Siegfried and Odette die, and their spirits ascend to heaven.
The story of Swan Lake has been adapted and reinterpreted countless times, resulting in variations in the storyline and choreography.
