Classical variation guide
Odette · Act II
Swan Lake · Act II · Lakeside Scene
Role
Female
Level
Pre-professional
Choreography
Marius Petipa / Lev Ivanov
About this variation
An iconic lyrical variation where breath, back, and musical phrasing matter as much as pointe technique. It demands mature artistry and seamless control.
Performance quality
Vulnerable, noble, otherworldly
Training focus
Develop continuous port de bras from the back, supported adagio, expressive transitions, and detailed musical phrasing rather than isolated poses.
Key elements
Sustained adagio · Arabesque control · Extensions · Character acting