RAIED SHUQUM (ABU DHABI)
The Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi is set to host a mesmerising performance of "Swan Lake on Ice" on October 11 and 12. This unique rendition of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet, performed by the world-renowned Imperial Ice Stars, brings a fresh and exhilarating twist to this timeless love story.
The Imperial Ice Stars are no strangers to Abu Dhabi, having performed at the Cultural Foundation before. Their previous shows, including "Sleeping Beauty on Ice" and "Cinderella on Ice," have been met with critical acclaim and enthusiastic audiences.
The Imperial Ice Stars' performances combine the best of ballet, ice skating, and theatre. It is a testament to the creativity and skill of the performers and the vision of the director.
The production, directed by Tony Mercer, combines the elegance of ballet with the athleticism of ice skating. Mercer's choreography is both daring and graceful, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on ice. The skaters, who include Olympic, World, European, and National Championship level athletes, perform complex routines that are as breathtaking as they are beautiful. Some of these moves are so intricate that they have yet to be named, showcasing the cutting-edge nature of this production.
The show features Tchaikovsky's music, which has been reimagined to suit the ice-skating format. The score, known for its emotional depth and beauty, is brought to life by the skaters' movements, creating a powerful and immersive experience for the audience. The combination of music and movement is designed to evoke the full range of emotions that the story of Swan Lake encompasses, from the joy of love to the pain of betrayal.
The story follows Prince Siegfried, who, on the eve of his 21st birthday, is told by his mother, the Queen, that he must choose a bride at the upcoming Grand Ball.
While hunting, Siegfried encounters a flock of swans and falls in love with Odette, a beautiful maiden cursed to live as a swan by day.
The evil sorcerer Count Von Rothbart, who cast the spell, tries to thwart their love by presenting his daughter Odile, disguised as Odette, at the ball. The tale unfolds with dramatic ice choreography, dazzling costumes, and the emotional depth of Tchaikovsky's music, culminating in a battle between good and evil and the triumph of true love.
Costumes play a significant role in the production, adding to the visual spectacle. The Imperial Ice Stars are known for their opulent and detailed costumes, which are designed to complement the choreography and enhance the storytelling. The costumes for "Swan Lake on Ice" are no exception, featuring stunning designs that reflect the characters' personalities and the themes of the story.
The Imperial Ice Stars were founded in 2004 by Mercer, inspired by the legendary performances of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean. Mercer, captivated by the theatrical potential of ice skating, began exploring the concept of theatre on ice in 1988. His vision materialised with the creation of the Imperial Ice Stars, debuting with "Sleeping Beauty on Ice" in 2004.
The company quickly gained acclaim for its innovative productions, combining intricate choreography with high-level athleticism. Their repertoire has been performed worldwide. They have toured 31 countries, captivating nearly 15 million people with their unique blend of storytelling and ice dance.