Main content
This programme is not currently available on BBC iPlayer

Good Swan, Bad Swan: Dancing Swan Lake

Ballerina Tamara Rojo takes us backstage as she prepares for one of classical ballet's biggest challenges - the dual lead in Swan Lake, the ultimate role for any dancer.

Tamara Rojo, world-famous ballerina and artistic director of English National Ballet, takes us backstage as she prepares for one of classical ballet's biggest challenges - the dual lead in Swan Lake. It is the ultimate role for any dancer, requiring her to play the completely contrasting characters - Odette the White Swan and Odile the Black Swan.

With unprecedented access, the disarmingly candid Rojo reveals her insights on the role's physical and psychological challenges. Through demonstration and masterclass, she reveals how to read the choreography of some of Swan Lake's most famous scenes.

Along the way Rojo gives us a glimpse of Swan Lake's history - its genesis through to 21st-century incarnations. She looks back at some of the greats that inspired her and leads the way forward, coaching the next generation of rising stars.

This film celebrates Swan Lake as an evolving and living work of art - the ultimate classic.

1 hour

Last on

Thu 23 Mar 2017 02:45
BBC Four

Clips

See all clips from Good Swan, Bad Swan: Dancing Swan Lake (3)

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

    Swan Lake

  • The Cougars

    Saturday Night at the Duck Pond

Credits

Presenter Tamara Rojo
Executive Producer Mark Cooper
Producer Dominic Best
Director Dominic Best
Dancer Alina Cojocaru
Dancer Matthew Golding
Choreographer Derek Deane
Participant Marina Warner
Participant Loipa Araujo
Participant Jennifer Homans

Broadcasts

Ballet Season

Ballet Season

BBC Two and BBC Four explore the power and the pain of ballet.