KЛИHOM

This pas de deux from Act III from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is the more lively of the two in the ballet, certainly the better one to watch to sample the ballet. Both principal roles are considered to be some of the most demanding in the classical repertoire, (especially for the ballerina with her 32 fouettes!). Sadly, I can’t find a lot of information about the dancers in the clip other than that they dance for the Kirov/Mariinsky Ballet in Russia, but it’s easily the best version I can find on YouTube.

For comparison, here’s the finale of the pas from the American Ballet Theatre’s production starring Gillian Murphy and Angel Corella. The American technique places greater emphasis on strength and flexibility, while the Russian stresses clean lines and positions.

Mark Morris, Dido’s Lament:

Sasha Waltz’ production at the Akademie fur Alte Musik: