The Dying Swan, a solo dance choreographed by Mikhail Fokinea is a renowned ballet variation
composed by Camille Saint-Saens from Le Carnaval des animaux. This variation has captured
the hearts of both seasoned ballet enthusiasts and novices alike. Among the numerous ballerinas
who have performed the solo Dying Swan, Natalia Osipova's performance stands out as
particularly touching and expressive. In this piece, the ballerina's exceptional artistry and
elegance are showcased through a depiction of the swan's agony, fragility, and otherworldly
beauty. In this review, I will delve into the ballerina Natalia Osipova's interpretation of the Dying
Swan, exploring how she portrays the swan's anguish, vulnerability, and ethereal beauty in her
performance as the dying swan.
When it comes to embodying the Swan, Natalia Osipova, an esteemed and highly skilled
ballerina, possesses an exceptional talent for infusing her characters with vitality and authenticity
through her exquisite technique and profound emotional expression. Her rendition of this piece is
a testament to her unparalleled mastery of both technical precision and nuanced storytelling,
leaving me captivated by her every move and taken away by the sheer beauty and grace of her
performance.
Not only was this performance outstanding, but it has the ability to evoke deep emotions through
her movements. Her portrayal of a dying swan is nothing short of breathtaking, as she seamlessly
transitions between moments of despair, hope, and resignation with grace and fluidity. The way
she interprets the character's inner turmoil through each step, leap, and extension is alluring and
mesmerizing. She manages to convey the emotions a dying swan might have with such precision
and authenticity, that it is hard not to be moved by her expressive artistry. In the end, she
surrenders to the swan's fate, leaving the audience and myself in awe of her remarkable talent
and dedication to her craft.
Continuing, the artistry of Osipova is nothing short of astonishing, leaving one in amazement of
her sheer mastery of fluidity and grace. Her delicate swan-like arm movements and sustained
balances are executed with such ease and precision, it's hard to believe she is human. Watching
her arms glide effortlessly through the air, replicating the elegant wings of a swan, is a true
spectacle of beauty. But it's not just her arm movements that leave a lasting impression. Her
impeccable balance brings a sense of ethereal beauty to her performance, creating a breathtaking
portrayal of the swan's elegant nature and vulnerability. It's a sight that truly captures the essence
of the graceful bird, one that will leave an indelible mark on anyone who witnesses it.
Another aspect of this performance that stood out to me was her technical brilliance. Her
execution of intricate footwork and demanding sequences is simply breathtaking, a true
testament to her exceptional use of classical ballet technique. The solo Dying Swan is an
incredibly challenging piece that requires a remarkable amount of control. A direct quote from
Fokine describes the difficulty in this piece stating “The dance is technically more difficult than
it may appear. The dancer moves constantly using different bourrees. The feet must be beautiful,
expressing a trembling. All pauses in sus-sous must show legs brought to one point. The arms
and the back work independently of the feet which continue to move regularly.” Nevertheless,
Osipova manages to navigate this fine line with astonishing delicacy, showcasing her flawless
technique and artistry.
Looking beyond the highly technical aspects of Natalia Osipova's rendition of the classical ballet
piece, one can't help but appreciate her understanding of the character and the underlying
narrative. Her performance is elevated by a sense of narrative arc, which takes the audience on a
journey from the initial pain and sorrow of the swan to the ultimate release of her suffering.
Osipova's artistry reveals itself through her ability to convey the character's emotional depth via
subtle gestures and subtle facial expressions. I found though her skill to perform she is able to
transport the audience to a place where they can feel and experience the story of the swan's tragic
demise.
I also appreciated how the beauty of Camille Saint-Saens music is perfectly intertwined with her
emotional expression, the synchronization between the dancer's movements and the music
creates a powerful connection that heightens the impact of the performance, her ability to capture
the subtleties of the music's phrasing adds to the captivating and harmonious atmosphere creating
a deeply moving experience.
Overall, Natalia Osipova's portrayal of the Dying Swan in Swan Lake is an impressive display of
her exceptional talent as a ballerina. Her movements are not only technically precise but also
infused with a raw emotional intensity that gains the attention of many. The way she moves on
stage is truly breathtaking, with every step, every gesture, and every expression conveying a
world of meaning. Her performance is a perfect blend of technical brilliance and artistic
interpretation, making what I believe to be the epitome of the ballerina as a true artist of the
stage.
Works Cited
Halliday, A. (n.d.). Watch the Celebrated Ballerina Anna Pavlova Perform “The Dying Swan”
(1925). Open Culture. https://www.openculture.com/2016/11/watch-the-celebrated-ballerina-
anna-pavlova-perform-the-dying-swan-1925.html
The Dying Swan – Natalia Osipova (The Royal Ballet). (2020, November 17). YouTube. https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ4uowripdw
Natalia Osipova. (n.d.). Natalia Osipova. https://www.roh.org.uk/people/natalia-osipova
