[News Culture]The timeless elegance of classical ballet returns to Seoul this summer as Universal Ballet and the Seoul Arts Center reunite for a new season of Swan Lake, one of the most celebrated works in the ballet repertoire.
The production will run from Aug. 14 to 23 at the Opera Theater of the Seoul Arts Center, continuing the two organizations' ongoing summer collaboration. Following successful presentations of Onegin and last year's Swan Lake, the partnership has established itself as a key fixture of the summer performing arts calendar. The 2025 production achieved a 95% seat occupancy rate, setting the stage for another strong run this year.
At the heart of the production is the enduring combination of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's iconic score and the classical choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Renowned for its sweeping corps de ballet sequences by the lake, lavish palace scenes, and technically demanding variations, Swan Lake remains a defining work of classical ballet.
Universal Ballet continues to present its signature version of the masterpiece, preserving the original structure while streamlining the dramatic pacing to heighten theatrical tension and narrative momentum.
One of the season's biggest draws is its star-studded casting lineup. Mariinsky Ballet First Soloist Jeon Min-cheol will perform the role of Prince Siegfried opposite Principal Dancer Hong Hyang-gi. The pair has earned acclaim through previous collaborations, making their reunion a major point of anticipation.
The cast also features leading dancers Lee Hyun-jun, Lee Dong-tak, and Elizaveta Cheprasova, alongside Lee Yu-rim and Lim Sun-woo. Rising artists Seo Hye-won, Jeon Yeo-jin, Lee Seung-min, and Yoo Ju-hyung further strengthen the roster. Across 11 performances, six different principal pairings will offer audiences distinct interpretations of the ballet's central roles.
The production has also received significant visual enhancements. Costumes, completely redesigned last season, were created with the participation of former Mariinsky Ballet costume designer Galina Solovieva. Approximately 150 costumes contribute to the production's expanded visual scale, combining intricate detailing with rich color palettes that elevate the overall stage aesthetic.
Live orchestral accompaniment will once again be provided by the National Symphony Orchestra of Korea, with conductor Kim Sung-jin leading the musical performance and reinforcing the close relationship between dance and music.
Ticket sales begin June 25. Through this latest revival of Swan Lake, Universal Ballet and the Seoul Arts Center aim to broaden access to classical ballet while further cementing the production's status as a signature event of Seoul's summer cultural season.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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