PREVIEW: Varna International Ballet to perform Giselle, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker at Edinburgh Playhouse

The world famous Varna International Ballet is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a debut UK tour including three classic shows coming to Edinburgh.
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Ballet fans can book now for Giselle, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker at Edinburgh Playhouse with a total of four performances over three days, on March 2, 3 and 4, 2023.

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Giselle – which will be performed on Thursday, March 2, at 7.30pm – is the most poignant of all classical ballets, filled with dramatic passion in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave.

The moving story of delicate Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover, Albrecht, is set to a glorious score. From the visual splendour of the rustic villagers happily gathering the harvest at the start of the story to the eerie moonlit forest haunted by elegantly drifting spirits, this production of Giselle is unforgettable.

Swan Lake – which follows on Friday, March 3, at 7.30pm – is the greatest romantic ballet of all time, brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score.

From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, Swan Lake is a compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.

From Odile, the temptress in black tutu as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.

The Nutcracker – which ends the Edinburgh visit with two shows on Saturday, March 4, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm – is the most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family that begins as night falls on Christmas Eve.

As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath.

When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…

Founded in 1947 and currently celebrating their 75th anniversary, the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet is touring the UK for the very first time.

Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.

Artistic Director is Daniela Dimova and Music Director and Chief Conductor on the tour is Peter Tuleshkov.

Daniela said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians to the UK for the very first time.

"We can’t wait to perform for British audiences and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.”

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