Shanghai Ballet presents its classic production of Swan Lake, returning in a special 10th anniversary version in 2026. Originally created in 2015 with choreographer Derek Deane, this staging is known for its expanded “corps de ballet of swans” and grand visual scale. Expect all the iconic scenes, from the White Swan pas de deux to the famous Black Swan duet.

First staged by Shanghai Ballet in 2015, this classic version of Swan Lake revisits Tchaikovsky’s enduring ballet with a large-scale ensemble and refined staging. The production increases the number of swans in Acts II and IV, reshaping the group choreography so that formations gather and disperse around Odette as their center. Over a runtime of around 150 minutes including an intermission, audiences can expect the full Swan Lake experience, from lyrical ensemble scenes to technically demanding pas de deux.

Performers

• Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
• Choreographer: Derek Deane
• Set & Costume Design: Peter Farmer
• Lighting Design: Howard Harrison

Derek Deane is former Artistic Director of the English National Ballet and the English National Ballet School, and has served as Artistic Director and later Artistic Advisor of Shanghai Ballet. He has created multiple works for the company, including The Nutcracker, Hamlet, The Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake.

Why People Should Go See This Show

This anniversary version highlights what has made Shanghai Ballet’s Swan Lake stand out over the past decade: an expanded “sea of swans,” carefully structured group choreography, and a visually deep stage picture. Since its premiere, the production has toured extensively in China and internationally, with nearly 300 performances worldwide. For audiences looking to see a large-scale, classic Swan Lake staged by one of China’s leading ballet companies, this production brings together familiarity, scale, and polish in one evening.