The Moscow Festival Ballet will perform the classic ballet “Swan Lake” at the Georgia Southern University Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m.

The Russian troupe was founded in 1989 by Bolshoi Ballet principle dancer Sergei Radchenko, who sought to bring together the highest classical elements of traditional Russian ballet, according to a press release from Stacie McDaniel, Director of the PAC.

The Moscow Festival Ballet, comprised of dancers from across Russia, has toured Europe, Asia and the United States, according to the press release.

About “Swan Lake”

In late 19th century Russia, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky composed “Swan Lake,” a ballet that tells the story of Odette, a cursed princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer.

“At his coming-of-age celebration, Prince Siegfried is suddenly inspired by a flight of white swans heading toward the nearby lake. When he approaches them in the darkness, they transform into human form, and Prince Siegfried is transfixed by the immeasurable grace and beauty of the Swan Queen Odette and falls in love at first sight,” according to the press release.

Prince Siegfried vows to break Odette’s curse, which can only be broken with an oath of everlasting love.

“I think that some people may have the misconception that ballet and traditional dance are stuffy, but this is a classic show that has been entertaining audiences for generations,” McDaniel said, “and the story of true love overcoming obstacles is still as relevant today as it was a hundred and fifty years ago when it was first staged.”

The upcoming performance

“The obvious reason that students should go see this performance is that it’s a high-quality, cultural, international performance, and because everyone will recognize the music from Tchaikovsky’s score, it provides a great introduction to the world of ballet,” McDaniel said.

Below are ticket prices for “Swan Lake” at the PAC:

• GS students: $10
• GS faculty and staff: $22
• Adults 18 and older: $25
• Youth 17 and younger: $12

Group rates for groups of 10 or more are also available.

To purchase tickets, visit the Box Office, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alternatively, purchase tickets online at www.georgiasouthern.edu/pac or over the phone at 912-478-7999.

McDaniel said, “Even the costumes and scenery are breathtaking – to put it simply, this is a production worthy of a grand stage, which is a rare find here in Statesboro.”