Moscow Ballet - La Classique

Prince Siegfried is celebrating his coming of age in the garden of his ancestral palace. His mother observes that it's time to consider marriage and that tomorrow at the formal celebration of his 21st birthday, the court ball, he should select his future wife from the lovely ladies in attendance.

But, tomorrow is another day and for today Siegfried prefers to go hunting. Alone, by a lake, he sees Odette, Queen of the Swans, who appears to be both swan and woman. She explains that an evil sorcerer, Von Rothbart, has cast a spell on her and she must remain a swan, except between midnight and dawn, unless she is saved by true love. Siegfried, in love at first sight, swears his undying love, promises to marry her and never to love another, but the wicked magician who disguises his own daughter, Odile, as the Swan-maiden, tricks him. Siegfried asks for her hand in marriage and swears an oath of fidelity to Odile.

Suddenly Von Rothbart and Odile stand before him in a triumph of self-revelation as the pathetic figure of Odette, sobbing helplessly is seen at a distance. Siegfried collapses in an agony of guilt and despair. Heartbroken, he returns to the lakeside to beg Odette's forgiveness and declares his infinite love for her.

Against all odds, the power of true love eventually overcomes the evil spell. The swan-maidens are restored to human form and Odette and Siegfried are re-united in eternal happiness.