The West Briton 2004
Swan Lake, Hall for Cornwall

Reviewed by Debi Chapman
The Duchy Ballet's production of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece was quite simply enchanting.

With every twist and turn, this impressive company belied its youth by capturing the imagination of everyone who was lucky enough to be there.

It was five years ago that Duchy Ballet first dipped its toes into Swan Lake. Little did they know it back then, but some of the cygnets would go on to take soloist roles in this production.

That is the beauty of the company. They like to nurture homegrown talent. There was plenty of it on display at the Hall For Cornwall with the costumes nothing short of stunning. Ann Wallwork has been the company's designer since it began and the latest creations were without doubt among her finest.

For the run, Duchy Ballet attracted four special guests and it was Chika Temma who caught the eye of many in the audience.

But it would be wrong to shine the spotlight on any performer because this was, in every sense, a team effort.

The Duchy Orchestra, conducted by David Frost, provided the subtle changes in pace which help make this production of Swan Lake such a spectacle. And who will ever forget the charm of the small black swans - especially the little boy who charmed Friday's crowd with his gymnastic feat?