Swan Lake and the journey of spreading Russian culture in Vietnam

Ballet is considered a symbol of Russian culture. The legendary Vyacheslav Gordeev and the artists of the Moscow State Ballet Theatre contributed to the development of ballet techniques and the spread of ballet art.

“Swan Lake” is one of the most famous ballets in the world. Photo: Moscow State Academic Ballet

Classic performance of world ballet

“The Nutcracker”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Swan Lake”… The world’s most famous plays have made Russia a pioneer in the art of ballet. To date, “Swan Lake” has become a timeless classic, performed all over the world.

In a conversation with Lao Dong reporter, People's Artist of the Soviet Union Vyacheslav Gordeev - Artistic Director of the Moscow State Ballet - said that the popularity of "Swan Lake" is undeniable. The proof is that tickets always sell very well every time the theater announces the performance schedule, even in countries where they have never performed. He commented that "Swan Lake" is not only a classic ballet but also a symbol of sophistication and perfection in Russian art.

Mr. Vyacheslav Gordeev said that there was a time when ballet was considered an art for the aristocracy, but in Russia, ballet has long been an art of the people. Workers and intellectuals alike can go to the theater to enjoy it.

Ballet Not only is it a part of Russian cultural life, it has also spread to the world. Despite the changes in modern life, classical ballet still retains its traditional values, while modern ballet has diversified and served many audiences.

“Swan Lake”, with its tragic love story of Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette, has touched the hearts of millions of audiences worldwide. Famous excerpts about the white swans, the royal banquet, or the sublime moments of love between Siegfried and Odette... depict the beauty of Russian culture, and the contrast between good and evil that is always present in life.

In particular, Tchaikovsky's music, sometimes quiet and charming, sometimes full of drama, will take the audience into a fascinating and emotional space, where swan dances soar on stage.

Proud to carry “Swan Lake” introduced to Vietnamese audiences

Over the past few days, a group of 45 artists from the Russian State Ballet has been in Hanoi to prepare for two nights of “Swan Lake” at the Ho Guom Theater, celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.

Artist Vyacheslav Gordeev proudly shared that cultural exchange plays a key role in building trust and lasting friendship between countries. Ballet, with its long history and global appeal, is a great way for Vietnamese audiences to learn more about Russian artistic heritage, while Russian artists explore the rich culture of Vietnam.

In his first visit to Vietnam to perform “Swan Lake”, Mr. Vyacheslav Gordeev shortened some unnecessary parts, connecting the main segments to create a complete but concise version, about 2 hours long instead of 3-5 hours as before.

The Russian ballet legend shared that streamlining the show posed many challenges for the actors, as they had to change costumes faster and had less time to rest. However, this change made the audience experience more seamless and engaging.

Present at the rehearsal at the Ho Guom Theater, dancer Tatsenko Alyona was nervous and anxious about meeting the Vietnamese audience. “Thanks to ballet, I have the opportunity to exchange cultures with other countries and learn more about Vietnamese culture during the rehearsal for the performance. I have practiced hard and look forward to meeting the Vietnamese audience,” the dancer confided to Lao Dong reporter.

Established in 1981, the Moscow State Academic Ballet Theatre with its talented artists has conquered millions of audiences in more than 40 countries through classic ballets such as “The Nutcracker”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Romeo and Juliet”… In particular, it is impossible not to mention the masterpiece “Swan Lake” - a global symbol of ballet art.

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