The world-renowned Imperial Ice Stars are set to bring their critically acclaimed production of Swan Lake on Ice to Sydney's Coliseum Theatre at Rooty Hill, commencing January 8, 2025. This innovative reimagining of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet promises to showcase the convergence of athletic prowess and artistic grace on a frozen stage.
The Imperial Ice Stars, sometimes considered the "Cirque du Soleil of ice skating," have built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of ice dance. Their upcoming performance in Sydney is expected to feature new choreography by leading ice director Tony Mercer, set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score.
What sets this production apart is the calibre of its cast. The 23 members boast an impressive collective resume, with skaters holding Olympic, World, European, and National Championship titles. Between them, they've amassed over 250 competition medals, bringing world-class athletic skill to their artistic performances.
The intimate setting of the Coliseum Theatre's stage, transformed into an ice rink for the occasion, will bear witness to the intricate footwork and daring lifts up close. Some of the manoeuvres are so complex they have yet to be formally named in the figure skating world.
This production marks the return of the Imperial Ice Stars to Australia, following successful tours of their other shows including Sleeping Beauty on Ice and Cinderella on Ice. Their previous visits have garnered praise for the company's ability to blend spectacle with storytelling, enhanced by lavish costumes and set designs.
While Swan Lake on Ice has been performed by the company before, this 2025 tour promises a fresh take on the production. Mercer's new choreography is expected to bring contemporary elements to the classic narrative, potentially offering a new perspective on the timeless love story.
The choice of the Coliseum Theatre as the exclusive Australian venue for this run is noteworthy. With a capacity of around 2000 seats, it offers a more intimate setting than some of the larger arenas the cast has performed in globally, such as London's Royal Albert Hall.
It's also worth noting that the transition from traditional ballet to ice presents both challenges and opportunities for storytelling. How Mercer and the Imperial Ice Stars navigate this adaptation, particularly in conveying the emotive aspects of Swan Lake through the medium of figure skating, is likely compelling to both lovers of dance and skating.
With its blend of athletic skill, artistic interpretation, and technical spectacle, Swan Lake on Ice looks set to offer Sydney audiences a unique start to the 2025 cultural calendar.
Venue: Sydney Coliseum Theatre, 33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill
Season: from 8 January 2025
Showtimes: Wednesday 2pm & 7pm; Thursday 7pm; Friday 7.30pm
Saturday 2pm & 7.30pm; Sunday 1pm & 6pm
Tickets: from $69.90 https://swanlakeonice.com.au/
(Images: Supplied/David Wyatt)
Comments
Post a Comment