This performance became a symbol of Russian classical ballet. Composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky was captivated by the plot of an old German legend about the beautiful Princess Odette, who was transformed into a swan by the curse of an evil sorcerer—the knight Rothbart.

Tchaikovsky’s first ballet marked the beginning of a new era in ballet history. It was the dawn of the symphonic ballet, characterized by a continuous musical and narrative development.

The performance was staged by ballet master Ventsel Reizinger. Polina Karpakova was the first to perform the roles of Odette and Odile. The first Moscow production did not achieve resounding success. Recognition for this ballet came a bit later—but it was permanent.

Subsequent revisions and reinterpretations further solidified “Swan Lake” as a timeless classic in the ballet repertoire.

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