Story and photos by ARLENE MALDONADO
Tiger Media Network
The elegance of classical ballet and the power of storytelling took center stage on Thursday, October 22 when World Ballet Company presented “Swan Lake” to the Hays community, giving the audience members an evening filled with music, dancing and theatrical artistry.
The performance brought the classic story to life through expressive choreography and detailed storytelling, allowing the audience to experience the emotions behind the characters and the music. Featuring elements of beloved ballets, including “Swan Lake” and “Sleeping Beauty”, the evening offered a closer look at the beauty of classical dance and the stories told through each performance.
Liudmila Ulantsava as the white swan, shows her amazing skills on the stage as she performs a solo. 
The Dance of the Little Swans, one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces from Swan Lake. 
Maksim Vlas taking a great stance as he soars into the air. 
The “swans” take a great dance of faith to help their queen conquer. 
The fair maidens and gentlemen enjoy the dance as the prince looks for a lover. 
Spanish Dance from Swan Lake, featuring soloist Tatiana Suliak. 
Denis Golov, the prince, getting crowned at his own festival, as he reaches the age to find love. 
The prince begins the dance with a cheer as the people crowd around him. 
The maidens and gentlemen dance to the lively music as they celebrate the prince’s upcoming 
The fair maidens and gentlemen dance in unison as the scene climaxes. 
Ekaterina Lukianova, a close friend of the prince, dances alongside and does a solo. 
Konstantin Geronik, the jester, entertains the people as the scenes transition. 
The sorcerer with the black swan controls the way she acts and manipulates into trying to separate the lovers. 
Anna Sigacheva performs the Russian Dance from Swan Lake. 
The Prince dances with the prospective brides who have arrived for the celebration.
For some audience members, the performance exceeded expectations. Olivia and Liam Smith said they loved the show.,
“We loved the show, the dancing, and especially the third scene,” they said. “We were already huge fans of ‘Swan Lake’, but tonight this show just proved it to be even better.”
With its elaborate storytelling, dancing, and opportunities for audience engagement, the “Swan Lake” performance offered Hays residents a chance to experience the artistry of classical ballet firsthand. The evening demonstrated how music and movement can bring a timeless story to life, leaving audience members with memorable moments long after the final scene.
The show was divided into five scenes, giving audience members opportunities to take breaks between scenes. The opening scene introduced a grand ballroom filled with dancers celebrating at a party held in honor of the prince.
“Being able to feel as if you’re part of the dance itself is something else that you can’t comprehend on a whim,” said Kaylea Pelton, describing the unique connection that live ballet can create between performers and audience members.
The combination of music, choreography and storytelling helped create an immersive experience for the audience. As the dancers moved across the stage, their performances brought the characters and their experiences to life.
Beyond the performance itself, the event offered additional experiences for guests. A merchandise booth near the entrance featured items available for purchase, while a designated photo area allowed both children and adults to take pictures with the ballerinas. These opportunities added to the evening, allowing attendees to engage with the production beyond their seats in the theater.