The Best of Swan Lake - P. I. Tchaikovsky

The storyline is also most captivating. The show opens with a prologue where a young woman named Odette is seen at a beautiful lake. Here, she has an encounter with the evil Rothbart who curses her and dooms her to a life as a swan.

Act I
The first act is set in the royal court where the Prince is in the mood to celebrate his 18th birthday. Celebrating with him are the people of the town and other royal families from nearby. In vibrant outfits, they put up a dazzling performance for the Prince. The arrival of the Queen is announced and she presents her son with the gift of a stunning crossbow. As the celebrations go on, the Prince is told by the Queen that he has to choose a bride and it has to be done before the Royal Ball that is to be held the very next evening. When the celebrations end, the Prince heads to the lake to think about his big decision.

Act II
It is near this lake that has been dubbed Swan Lake that the Prince catches a glimpse of a gorgeous girl. He follows her to the look where he sees a beautiful swan with a crown on her head. When night falls, the Swan Queen transforms into the gorgeous maiden Odette and the Prince is completely taken by her. They talk and he learns about the curse placed on her and her friends by the wicked sorcerer. He also learns that the enchanted Swan Lake was formed by the tears of Odette's parents who wept over the curse placed on her. Only the love of a pure young man who will marry her can break the curse. The two share an emotional, romantic ballet dance; the Prince is head over heels in love.

Act III
The following evening comes and the Royal Ball begins. The Prince dances with a number of girls at his mother's request but his mind remains on Odette. Rothbart arrives at the ball with his daughter Odile disguised as Odette. The Prince does not realise that the woman in front of him is not the real Odette. The two share another romantic ballet dance. Odette watches from a window. When the Prince proclaims his eternal love for the disguised Odile, Odette leaves in despair. However, the Prince soon catches on and he leaves to find the real Odette.

Act IV
Back at Swan Lake, a heartbroken Odette is consoled by other swans. The Prince eventually finds her at the lake and explains the trick that had been played on him by Odile. Odette forgives him. The reunion is interrupted by the arrival of Rothbart who starts a fight with the Prince. Rothbart demands that the Prince marries Odile as he had promised. The two start to fight. The Prince wins the fight. Rothbart is killed. The Prince declares his undying love for Odette and the curse is broken. The two live happily ever after.

Again and again
The Best of Swan Lake is one of the best ballet shows you could sit down to watch in Hybernia Theatre, Prague. Indeed, it is a show that many have sat down to watch again and again to take in the dazzling ballet dances and singing. If you are ever in Prague, do not leave until you watch this show; it is one of the best experiences you will ever have in this city.