ONE of the most popular ballets will be brought to life in an unforgettable performance in Basingstoke.

Varna International Ballet presents Swan Lake at The Anvil on Sunday, February 19, at 2pm and 6.30pm. It is one of the most popular ballets and is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score, performed live by the Varna International Ballet Orchestra.

From the impressive splendour of the palace ballroom to the moonlit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.  From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision, to the spellbound purity of the swan queen Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity.  The dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.

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Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the illustrious Varna International Ballet comes to the UK for the very first time.  Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.

Artistic director Daniela Dimova, and music director and chief conductor Peter Tuleshkov, from Varna International Ballet and Orchestra, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians to the UK for the very first time. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences and to bring this magical ballet to life on stage.”

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Daniela Ivanova-Dimova continued: "We are delighted. Especially as we’re celebrating 75 years of Varna State Opera: our company was founded back in 1947. We are so happy that we’re visiting the UK for the first time. To visit so many different and interesting cities and towns, with highly professional stages, is a great honour.

Soloist Claire Gillard added: "I’m really, really excited! I think it’s going to be so fun and challenging for us: it’s a big tour, but we’re ready for it. I was born in London, and I have family in England – it’ll be so great to see them, and they’ll be able to watch me dance."

Contact the Anvil Arts box office at 01256 844244 or visit anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/event/swan-lake.