Cuba’s legendary National Ballet is gliding into Shanghai with their iconic Swan Lake, a lush, dramatic take on the classic that’s all about razor-sharp technique and fiery Cuban flair. Led by star dancers from the company, this is your chance to see why Havana’s ballet scene punches way above its weight.

Forget stiff tutus—this Swan Lake is pure passion, with Alicia Alonso’s reimagined choreography blending Romantic tragedy and Cuban theatricality. The corps de ballet moves like a single hypnotic wave, while soloists pull off heart-stopping lifts and spins. Expect hauntingly beautiful swans, a villain you’ll love to hate, and a finale where love (maybe) conquers all.

The Cuban National Ballet’s Swan Lake isn’t just a rerun of the 19th-century staple—it’s a reinvention. Choreographed by the late Alicia Alonso, the company’s founder and a global ballet icon, this version tightens the story’s drama while dialing up the technical fireworks. The famous "white acts" (with their hypnotic corps de ballet) feel eerily poetic, while the palace scenes crackle with character dances and bravura solos. Key touches—like the Cuban-inspired port de bras (arm movements) for the swans—add fresh texture. Dancers from the company, known for their explosive jumps and emotional depth, will perform lead roles, though casting is often announced closer to the date.

Alonso’s tweaks to the original include a streamlined fourth act that amps up the romance, and a more dynamic "Jester" role to bridge scenes. The production also leans into Tchaikovsky’s score, with live orchestra (where possible) heightening the sweep of the music. Visually, it’s a stunner: think moonlit lakes, opulent ballrooms, and costumes that balance tradition with a tropical vibrancy. Whether you’re a ballet newbie or a Swan Lake veteran, this Cuban spin makes the familiar feel thrillingly new.

• Stage & Dance