[Integrated Development of Culture and Technology] Classic Ballet "Swan Lake" Elegantly Performed
2024-04-27
Technology creates the future, while art illuminates life. On the evening of April 25, as part of the HUTB 2024 Integrated Development of Culture and Technology Themed Education Season, the world-renowned ballet "Swan Lake" was elegantly performed at the Xiangjiang Lecture Hall. Chen Xiaohong, Secretary of the CPC HUTB Committee, Director of Xiangjiang Laboratory, and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), Xiao Yayu, former Deputy Director of Provincial NPC Standing Committee, Liao Keqin, former Deputy Secretary-General of the Provincial Government and former Director of the Shenzhen Office of Hunan Provincial People's Government, Zhang Ling, Vice President of HUTB, Yang Liangqi, Member of the CPC HUTB Committee and Vice President of HUTB, along with faculty, students, and distinguished guests gathered together to appreciate this romantic and enchanting ballet performance filled with beautiful music and graceful dance movements.
This concert is hosted by the CPC Committee Publicity Department, the Youth League Committee, and the School of Music. Professor Xiao Ming, a national first-level conductor and Dean of the School of Music, was the conductor of the concert, with Peng Liu serving as the artistic director. Enthusiastic young dancers from the Hunan Youth Ballet Theatre, both Chinese and foreign, performed, while the HUTB Xiangjiang Symphony Orchestra played passionately throughout the event. The event was hosted by young teacher Song Wei from the School of Music.
The first act unfolded like an exquisite painting, gradually revealing itself. The story tells of Prince Siegfried, who, during a celebration, encounters Princess Odette who has transformed into a swan for the first time. They embark on a deeply moving love story. The graceful ballet dancers, dressed in magnificent tutus, leaped and spun lightly, resembling swans freely soaring in the air. Their dance movements were gentle yet powerful, seamlessly combining elegance and strength. Every action and expression was filled with artistic charm, creating a joyful atmosphere of celebration and unfolding the chapters of the entire story, immersing the audience in the scene.
The second act tells the story of the prince and the princess falling in love. When the prince learns that the princess has been transformed into a swan by the sorcerer Rothbart, he realizes that only true love can break the spell. He vows to love her forever. As the music slowly began to play, the atmosphere on stage became increasingly tense. The princess's dance was both graceful and poignant, filled with sorrow, revealing her inner struggle and helplessness. Meanwhile, the prince displayed a spirit of bravery and determination, vowing to confront the sorcerer and save his beloved princess. The dancers cooperated seamlessly, advancing the story to its climax through exquisite dancing and passionate performances. The audience was deeply captivated, occasionally erupting into enthusiastic applause and cheers.
The third act tells of the night when the prince chooses a bride, with the sorcerer bringing his daughter Odile disguised as Odette to the ball. During the ball, the sorcerer deceives the prince, making him believe that the black swan princess Odile is the same as the white swan princess Odette whom he met by the lake. The stage music portrayed a rich range of emotions, with the splendid dance music accentuating the festive atmosphere of the ball, while the poignant melody portrayed the misunderstandings and conflicts between the prince and Odile. The sorcerer showcased astonishing dance skills, demonstrating his powerful sorcery abilities. Meanwhile, the prince, under the spell's influence, becomes increasingly confused amidst the chaos, and his belief in love is severely tested. The plight of the prince and princess evoked concerns among the audience.
In the fourth act, the heartbroken Odette returns to the shore of Swan Lake in utter despair. Prince Siegfried realizes that the one he deeply loves, Odette, is not the sorcerer's daughter, Odile. He decides to take action and engages in a final duel with Rothbart by the lake. For the sake of his beloved Odette and their happiness, the prince bravely confronts the evil sorcerer. In this intense battle, the prince demonstrates unwavering faith and courageous determination. Their sincere love for each other defeats the sorcerer, breaking his spell. Odette and her companions also regain their human forms. From then on, Siegfried and Odette live happily ever after.
The spectacular ballet, lasting about 3 hours, concluded amidst the audience's heartfelt praise and enthusiastic applause. The audience responded enthusiastically, praising the young dancers and the symphony orchestra for their wonderful performances, choreography, and stage effects. They spoke highly of the HUTB Integrated Development of Culture and Technology Themed Education Season, giving it high praise. The combination of high-quality audiovisual effects and top-notch stage artistry immersed the audience in a fairy-tale-like fantasy world.
The world-renowned classical ballet "Swan Lake" is a representative work of Tchaikovsky and a model of classical ballet, holding a significant position in the history of ballet. With its beautiful music, captivating storyline, exquisite dance choreography, and enchanting stage design, it has caught the attention of countless spectators. This timeless masterpiece is an immortal artistic treasure that will continue to shine brightly in the world of ballet. (Written by Xia Qingsen, Li Meiqi, and Zhang Gaoyang and photo by Cao Shiyu and Converged Media Center)
