Does Swan Lake On Ice have the X-Factor, or not? Of course it does, and the Imperial Ice Stars combine energy, talent and bravura in a breathtaking display of skating. They spin so fast that you marvel that they don’t get dizzy and the leading dancer can skate whilst carrying three other dancers. In addition, there are sword fights, aerial acrobatics, dancing on stilts and even the ice is set on fire. The main subject for ice-breaking conversation during the interval was how can they get the ice ready for the second half.
 | | Imperial Ice Stars have over 200 medals. |
There is no dialogue and I did have some difficulty in following the story and wondered why the dying swan was not in this production. Maybe they just wanted a happy ending, but the story does not matter as you can just enjoy the spectacle. The Imperial Ice Stars is a Russian dance troupe, put together by an Australian promoter, for world tours. The 20 dancers, many of Olympic standard, have over 200 international medals between them. The backstage staff is as proficient as the dancers as it takes considerable skill to create a touring ice rink and maintain it at the right temperature and consistency for the performers. The set and costumes are also very effective and the lighting enhances the production. Breathtaking dancing.. | "There are sword fights, aerial acrobatics, dancing on stilts and even the ice is set on fire. " | | Spencer Leigh |
The leading dancer, Olga Sharutenko, plays the half-swan, half-princess Odette. She is best known in the UK for appearances on the TV series, Dancing On Ice, and she glides beautifully and serenely across the ice. Vadini Yarkov as Prince Siegfried is rarely off stage and carries out some breathtaking dancing, the highlight being a pas de trois with Odette and Odile (Olena Pytash). Anton Klyknow as the evil Rothbart is equally effective with his frenetic dancing.
 | | The show received a standing ovation. |
Tchaikovsky wrote Swan Lake in 1877 for 800 roubles. The ballet was not well received at the time and it had several changes before it found success. The score for Swan Lake On Ice was recorded by the Manchester Light Symphony Orchestra who had added some sections from Tchaikovsky’s original score. However, many will hear the Dance of the Cygnets and think of the Morecambe and Wise parody. It was good to see the Empire full and Swan Lake On Ice receiving a standing ovation. As I walked through Lime Street Station, the members of Eton Road were getting off a London train. It remains to be seeing whether they have the X-Factor but surely even Simon Cowell would have been impressed with this spectacular show at the Empire. | 
