Breathtaking SWAN LAKE ON ICE Skates into Artscape Opera House This January

Pieter Toerien will present the the world's premier theatrical ice skating company, The Imperial Ice Stars, in a dynamic new interpretation of its award-winning masterpiece SWAN LAKE ON ICE at the Artscape Opera House this January. The acclaimed production is part of a world tour celebrating the company's tenth anniversary, skating into Cape Town following a festive season run in Johannesburg.

Performed in the intimate setting of a frozen theatre stage to Tchaikovsky's famous and well-loved score, this production of SWAN LAKE ON ICE introduces a new prologue to the classic tale, humanising the legend of a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer. The show features exhilarating new choreography and some of the world's most stylish dancing on ice from artistic director Tony Mercer, widely regarded as the world's leading creator of theatre on ice.

Inspired by Mercer's research into Tchaikovsky's original score and intentions for the story, SWAN LAKE ON ICE is a more realistic interpretation of this much-loved tale, with an ending that is more plausible and leaves no unanswered questions. The story is transposed onto ice, creating a new art form in the process - ice dance in a full theatrical setting. Mercer explains:

I always felt it was a natural fit, to have swans gliding on ice. I created our original SWAN LAKE ON ICE in 2006 in a classical style with elements of contemporary ice dance. With this production I've significantly re-worked the choreography to incorporate even more contemporary skating manoeuvres, including elements that have never been seen in the world of figure skating before, and challenged our skaters to reach for new heights!

The 24 Olympic, World, European and National Championship level skaters, who between them hold more than 250 competition medals, tell the timeless tale through mind-blowing high-speed leaps and throws - and daring manoeuvres so complex they haven't yet been named - coupled with graceful ice dancing. In addition, awe-inspiring acrobatics, aerial gymnastics and spectacular new pyrotechnic effects add drama and mystery to the theatrical experience.

The costuming has also been refined for this new production, with some dazzling and sophisticated designs from renowned costumier Albina Gabueva of Moscow 's Stanislavsky Theatre, and made by the famous Bolshoi Ballet's costume cutters.

The Imperial Ice Stars are renowned for marrying well-loved classical scores with breath-taking choreography and romantic narrative, creating a fusion of adrenaline-rich ice dancing and dramatic performance.

During the last decade the award-winning troupe has enthralled audiences in 27 countries across five continents, gaining a worldwide following and establishing an unrivalled reputation for their sophisticated portrayals of classic works. Their previous world tours (CINDERELLA ON ICE, SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICA, SWANK LAKE ON ICE and THE NUTCRACKER ON ICE) have been greeted with nightly standing ovations and five-star reviews. The Imperial Ice Stars last performed in South Africa from December 2013 to February 2014 with THE SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE, garnering outstanding reviews and raves from local audiences. This new production of SWAN LAKE ON ICE has criss-crossed the globe, performing at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including London's Royal Albert Hall, Singapore's Marina Bay Sands Grand Theatre, Sydney's Lyric Theatre and an outdoor season at the Sabatini Palace Gardens in Madrid.

Whether you've seen The Imperial Ice Stars' SWAN LAKE ON ICE before or have yet to experience the thrill of world-class ice skating in the intimacy of the theatre, this dramatic new ice interpretation of one of the most popular ballets will have you on the very edge of your seat.

Performances of SWAN LAKE ON ICE run from 14 - 31 January, on Tuesdays to Fridays at 19:30, on Saturdays at 14:30 and 19:30 and on Sundays at 14:00 and 18:00. Tickets from R100 - R400 can be reserved through Computicket online, or by phone on 08619158000 and 0214217695. Group discounts are available and advance booking is highly recommended.

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