International Ballet Company Performs Swan Lake in Andorra

The International Ballet Company brought Tchaikovsky's timeless *Swan Lake* to Andorra la Vella's Congress Centre on Sunday, showcasing the enduring power of classical ballet through intricate technique and universal human themes.

Cristina Terentiev, a prizewinning soloist who earned the Grand Prix of Vienna, took on the demanding dual role of Odette, the fragile white swan princess, and Odile, the seductive black swan. Prince Siegfried was portrayed by Alexandru Balan. The production, faithful to the original choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, highlights the story of a prince's doomed love for Odette, cursed to live as a swan, and her dramatic counterpart Odile.

"It's a great responsibility to dance *Swan Lake*," Terentiev said, emphasizing the challenge of embodying two opposing yet intertwined characters. She aims for tenderness and emotional depth in Odette, particularly in the delicate Adagio of Act II where the princess shares her plight, while Odile demands technical prowess, including the famed 32 fouettés—rapid spins on one leg that define the black swan's fiery brilliance.

Terentiev, who has performed the ballet for years, stressed the role of expressive movement, especially in the arms and gestures, to convey inner conflict. "I want to achieve maximum perfection in portraying Odette as tender and moving, and a strong, brilliant character for Odile," she noted. The visual appeal is equally vital: fresh scenery and costumes enhance the narrative while preserving the purity of classical lines, ensuring audiences experience aesthetic delight.

This Andorran stop marked the finale of the company's European tour, following months of performances. Terentiev praised the local audience's reception and underscored ballet's relevance today. "Seeing stories of good and evil, hearing classical music, and admiring dancers' lines makes you reflect on life," she said, hoping viewers leave inspired.

Trained in Eastern Europe's top academies, the ensemble delivered high artistic and technical standards, reaffirming *Swan Lake* as a living bridge between tradition and contemporary resonance.