WanTing Zhao of the San Francisco Ballet performs the title role of Odette in Montana Ballet Company's "Swan Lake."
Montana Ballet Company (MBC) stages the Bozeman premier of Swan Lake, on Saturday, March 1, and Sunday, March 2, at the Willson Auditorium.
“We are thrilled to bring this epic masterpiece to the Bozeman community,” said Melissa Bowman, MBC’s new artistic director. “Swan Lake is not only one of the most beautiful ballets ever created, but also one of the most challenging to perform – both for the principal dancers and the corps de ballet.”
Internationally acclaimed guest artists WanTing Zhao and Benjamin Freemantle will perform the title roles of Odette and Prince Siegfried. WanTing Zhao trained at the Beijing Dance Academy and the San Francisco Ballet School before joining San Francisco Ballet, where she was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2019.
Throughout her career, she has performed leading roles in works by renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Natalia Makarova, Helgi Tomasson, John Neumeier, and Harald Lander. She has also originated roles in ballets by contemporary choreographers, including Benjamin Millepied, Wayne McGregor, Trey McIntyre, Mark Morris, and Alexei Ratmansky.
Additionally, she is set to appear in the upcoming Amazon Prime TV series Étoile, premiering in 2025.
Freemantle began his training at the Caulfield School of Dance before earning a full scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet School at age 15. He joined San Francisco Ballet in 2015 and was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2019.
Known for his captivating performances, Freemantle has excelled in principal roles across full-length ballets and original works, including masterpieces by legendary choreographers such as George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon, Jerome Robbins, and Helgi Tomasson.
MBC Ballet Master Richard Bowman will dance the role of the villainous Von Rothbart and the company’s music director Stefan Stern will lead the Montana Ballet Orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score.
One of the most iconic classical ballets of all time, Swan Lake is a captivating love story and a challenging performance piece.
“In fact, Swan Lake sets the standard for the ballerina, but perhaps even more so for the corps de ballet, where precision, unity, and grace are key to bringing this timeless story to life,” says Ms. Bowman. “We can’t wait for you to experience this incredible work in its full, breathtaking glory.”
She promises that performances “will mesmerize audiences with breathtaking dancing, spectacular visuals, and wondrous moments, all accompanied by the Montana Ballet Orchestra.”
Tickets range from $28 to $78 and are available from Montana Ballet Company at 406-582-8702 or online at www.montanaballet.org. All seating is reserved.
A special treat for children ages 5 and up is the Swan Lake Creativity Corner from 2:30-3:15 p.m. March 2 at the Willson. Limited to the first 25 to register, participants will make headpieces, craft with feathers and more to adorn their attire. Cost is $30; call 406-582-8702 or register online.