Introduce your family to the magic of ballet with The Swan Princess, a family-friendly adaptation of Swan Lake, offering a fresh take on the classic Tchaikovsky ballet. Who will you meet in this exciting adaptation from Atlanta Ballet 2? Discover the timeless characters of The Swan Princess and hear directly from the Atlanta Ballet 2 dancers who will bring them to life on stage.

Odette. Graceful Princess Odette has just met her prince charming in the dashing Prince Siegfried. However, her life takes an otherworldly turn after crossing paths with the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart while walking by the lake in her town. Her idyllic romance is interrupted when the evil sorcerer transforms Odette into a swan. Despite this insidious transformation, Princess Odette remains a beacon of hope, offering solace and support to her fellow cursed swans. She remains resilient in the face of the wicked magician’s machinations finding strength from within herself and the power of true love.

"From the unique movement-quality to Tchaikovsky's iconic score, there is so much to love about Swan Lake, and I am very happy to be a part of this family-friendly version that introduces the classic ballet to a whole new audience."
- Claire Buchi (dancing the role of Odette)

"One more exciting thing for me is learning even more about pas de deux, the step of two. I’ve gotten to experience it in other ballets. However, so far in my training, I think I’ve learned the most in this ballet. What it means to be partnered, and what it means to be a good partner. You could say it’s about the greater good for both of you, not just one person. I’m understanding that even more, and am fortunate to have two partners in Emanuel Talongo and Ícaro Queiros who understand the importance of 'we over me'. Atlanta Ballet 2 repetiteur Serena Chu and Dean Sharon Story have also been there every step of the way, to guide all of us to success."
- Camille Jackson (dancing the role of Odette)

Siegfried. Prince Siegfried is an idealistic prince who believes in true love and is willing to fight for it. He revels in the simple joys of life, such as hunting and celebrating with his companions. On his 21st birthday, this prince charming is destined for marriage and must choose a bride. Captivated by Odette's ethereal beauty, young and idealistic Siegfried, a prince still untainted by the world's harsh realities, falls deeply and quickly. Even after Odette is transformed into a swan, his love for her remains steadfast.

"The idea of playing Prince Siegfried is so exiting because the role is such a well recognized character within the ballet art-form with layered cultural history. What is also so special to me about performing this role is the fact I can indulge with my dear partners and friends in sharing this immersive and dramatic experience."
- Emanuel Talongo (dancing the role of Siegfried)

Odile. Princess Odile is Odette’s twin sister, and what she reflects of Odette in grace and charm, she diverges with cunning ambition. Driven by a deep hatred for her twin, Odile conspires with the treacherous Von Rothbart. This devious duo hatch a plot to ensure Odette forever remains a swan. Which leaves her to set her sights on Prince Siegfried.

"It has been so fun and challenging getting to play these two characters. First Odette, when she is still human. This young girl who gets to fall in love with the prince and now is forced to become a swan from a spell that was put on her, to Odile, the black swan, who is with Von Rothbart and together they have this evil plan to make the prince swear his love for Odile instead of Odette. For me, getting to create my own version of their two personalities it’s one of the things I’m enjoying the most."
- Stacey Johnson (dancing the role of Odile and human Odette)

"Swan Lake has always been a dream ballet of mine. I’ve always felt connected to both Odette and Odile. Having the opportunity to dance Odile in Swan Princess is extremely exciting for me, I get to experience what it will be like to embody this dream role."
- Rachel Zinman (dancing the role of Odile and human Odette)

Count Von Rothbart. Every good story has a villain, and the wily Count Von Rothbart fills the role perfectly. A cruel sorcerer driven by a desire for power and control, Von Rothbart has the ability to transform others and create lifelike illusions. His shadow darkens the small town as he stalks the lakeside transforming innocent princesses into swans. He even conspires with Princess Odette's own sister to keep her forever bound as a swan. Von Rothbart remains a relentless adversary, willing to sacrifice everything up until the very end. Will Odette and Siegfried’s love prove resilient enough to withstand the schemes of Von Rothbart and Princess Odile?

"Interpreting a character like Von Rothbart in ballet is truly fascinating because he is a figure full of complexity and intensity. The character represents evil, but in a very imposing way, requiring great presence and control. This balance between technique and emotional interpretation makes the role both challenging and enjoyable, as you have the opportunity to explore different facets of the character, such as his power, his vengeance, and even his own vulnerability, depending on the approach. This depth brings an interesting and unique dynamic to the work on stage."
-Dyhan Pierre (dancing the role of Von Rothbart)

"I am so proud of all of the hard work, dedication, and care that has been placed into this production from every department of Atlanta Ballet and the Centre for Dance Education. I could not be more grateful to have the opportunity to portray such iconic characters and dance along my talented colleagues and friends."
- Emily McAllister (dancing the role of Odile and human Odette)

Tchaikovsky’s mysterious ballet is brought to life by the highly skilled Atlanta Ballet 2. These dancers embody the highest level of training, at the edge of a professional ballet career. Audiences may recognize them from as recently as The Nutcracker this past winter. Witness the next generation of ballet stars take flight.

"I would love for the audience to live in the moment with the characters onstage! Whether that’s with Odette, Odile, the Prince, or Count Von Rothbart, I ask that you live in the moment with them!"
- Eliza Soto (dancing the role of Odette)

Atlanta Ballet 2’s The Swan Princess is the perfect family-friendly ballet for a truly magical weekend. This captivating adaptation of Swan Lake will delight audiences with its stunning choreography, beautiful music, and timeless story. With choreography by the internationally acclaimed Bruce Wells. It runs February 15-16 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Please note that casting is subject to change.

And the fun doesn’t end after curtains close! A royally good time awaits as the beloved family teatime tradition returns for Swan Princess on February 16.