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Area teens to dance lead roles in Swan Lake at the Cal Neva

Special to the Bonanza
Courtesy photo

TRUCKEE, Calif. — They may be just 15-years-old, but three Truckee dancers are gearing up to dance a ballet that was first composed nearly 140 years ago. When Sierra Nevada Dance presents Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake during the weekend of April 12, Kirby Falk, Zoe Peterson, and Quad Andrews will take the stage in the lead roles of Odette, Odile, and Prince Siegfried.

Swan Lake is perhaps the most well-known and classic of ballets. Tchaikovsky’s music is recognized by casual theatergoers and ballet fanatics alike, and the storyline is hazily familiar to most: Odette is the princess, cursed by the evil magician Von Rothbart to live her life as a swan by day and a princess by night. Only true love can transform her. Prince Siegfried appears to be the hero who will rescue her from this terrible fate. However, Von Rothbart’s daughter, Odile fools Siegfried into pledging his love to the wrong swan. Clearly, nothing good can come from this…nor would anything good come from spoiling the ending here.

When asked to share their thoughts about dancing this classic tale of good versus evil, all three Truckee teens said the experience of playing their characters is both fun and interesting. Kirby described Odette as “innocent and sweet. Her love for the prince is so pure.” Odile, on the other hand is “sassy and over the top, which makes it a fun role to take on,” said Zoe. While Quad didn’t see any real similarities between himself and his princely character, he sees Siegfried as an “enthusiastic and elegant guy.”



This show marks the first time for each of them to dance with a partner. While this has its benefits, like being able to do some beautiful lifts, it was also described as “challenging.” Quad, especially, is feeling some pressure. “As the guy, it’s up to you to make it look easy, but it’s your fault if it looks bad.”

Kirby and Zoe both agreed that it is easier to dance alone, but they welcomed the opportunity to take on the more difficult aspects of dancing with a partner. The girls, who have both been dancing for almost 13 years, are enjoying being able to dance the lead roles with each other. “We’re really good friends,” said Kirby. Quad is returning to the stage after a long absence. He danced in two Nutcracker productions with Sierra Nevada Dance in elementary school. But, after meeting up with SND artistic director Sherrie Peterson at a local Zumba class, he was convinced to take on the role of the prince.



See these and many other talented local dancers at the SND production of Swan Lake at the Cal-Neva Resort April 12-14. Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for seniors/students, with $3 additional at the door. Advance tickets are available at Sierra Nevada Dance (530-582-1894) and at The Bookshelf (530-582-0515).


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