Milwaukee Ballet’s ‘Swan Lake’ Is One Gorgeous Dance after Another

Fumero’s haughty, conniving, intense character and her heartless toying with Siegfried and the audience gave the production its sizzle.

Hovhannisyan, as a pure-hearted, tragic Siegfried, was the focus of Odile’s treachery and, in the end, the force that triumphed over evil.

The three dancers each gave powerful, articulate performances, creating two radically different couple pairings, both physically and emotionally.

The story of “Swan Lake” could probably be told by the just the three principal characters, but that would rob audiences of rich scenes full of the captivating grace of dancing swans, the elegance of dancing courtiers, and the robust and sometimes playful dancing of hunting ladies, huntsmen and villagers.

The ensemble work in this production of “Swan Lake” is spectacular. Large ensembles bring precision, energy and dramatic focus to the stage, while artfully danced solos and pas de deux by various characters, as well as believable interplay between ensemble members, create vivid characters.

The production elements of this “Swan Lake” are also essential to its success, from Jose Varona’s ornately detailed costumes in rainbows of pastels and saturated colors, and elaborate, detailed sets, and the subtle-to-dramatic effects of David Grill’s lighting.