I've seen 'Swan Lake' before, the last time was nearly three years ago, so was familiar with the plot and could enjoy some of the details of the performance, the lighting and the action taking place in the background - no-one is ever still and there's always something going on. The basic premise is of a Prince growing up in a cold household with rigid attention to duty and no love from his mother and, when it all gets too much for him, he goes to a park to commit suicide but is saved by a flock of swans that fill him with the joy of life again. 
The second act sees the lead Swan in human form seducing all and sundry at a royal ball that sends the Prince over the edge and he attempts to kill his mother, throwing him into hospital. On release, his bedroom is invaded by the flock of swans that kill the Swan and the Prince dies, presumably from a broken heart. The final scene shows his mother coming into his room and, finding him dead, finally holds him while above, through a window, we see the Swan with his Prince in his arms, together at last. It always makes me shed a tear and I've no idea why.
It goes without saying that the dancers, the sets, the costumes and the lights were all excellent. The elegance and grace of the dancers is astonishing, the smallest movement being perfectly choreographed, a beautiful performance. There's no lack of visual fun either and I *still* want a pair of swan trousers. I can't help but think they should play Siouxsie's 'Into A Swan' at the start of the performance - she pulls good swan-shapes as well.It's a very touching and beautiful performance and not exactly what you might consider as 'ballet' - an overheard comment on the way out was that someone thought there would be "more ballet" in it. I'm not sure what it is, it's contemporary dance and whether that's ballet or not, I don't really care. If you get the chance, go and see it and feel the beauty, the joy and the terror, and live in a different world for a few hours. It's well worth the adventure.
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