English National Ballet to Release Performances Online
English National Ballet is bringing Derek Deane’s Swan Lake to online audiences via its recently launched streaming service, Ballet on Demand. It also presents Kenneth MacMillan’s romantic tragedy Manon, and recordings of the iconic ballets are available to rent.
Derek Deane’s Swan Lake has delighted audiences for over two decades. The production captures all the magic of classic ballet, from the ballerinas in white tutus moving in unison, to the captivating romance between Prince Siegfried and the Swan Queen Odette. Recorded at the Liverpool Empire in 2018, this performance sees Isaac Hernández dancing the role of Prince Siegfried with Jurgita Dronina as Odette/Odile, and features Tchaikovsky’s score performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.
Known for its expressive choreography and dramatic storyline, Manon features some of the most demanding roles in ballet. The story follows the young and naïve Manon who is torn between two lives: privilege and opulence with the wealthy Monsieur GM, or innocent love with the penniless student Des Grieux. Recorded at the Manchester Opera House in 2018 for the Company’s archive, this performance sees Alina Cojocaru in the title role alongside Joseph Caley as Des Grieux, and features Jules Massenet’s score performed by English National Ballet Philharmonic.
Manon is the latest full-length production English National Ballet has made available through Ballet on Demand. Other titles available include Akram Khan’s Giselle, the pirate adventure Le Corsaire and the Company’s first ever digital season, a series of five original dance films.
Ballet on Demand is part of ENB at Home, English National Ballet’s dedicated video-on-demand platform which gives audiences access to a wide range of ballet content from the stage and beyond, from the comfort of their homes. Launched in November 2020, the platform also features BalletActive, a library of online ballet-based training and classes from the professionals at English National Ballet, available by subscription.
Credit: English National Ballet perform Derek Deane’s Swan Lake © Laurent Liotardo