Newsletters
A new stage production in Istanbul is set to reinterpret one of classical ballet’s most recognized works by blending it with hip hop.
“SWANS-Swan Lake,” created by the Tan Sagturk Young Ballet Academy, brings together classical ballet technique and contemporary street dance in a single performance.
The show will take place on April 28 and 29 at the Paribu Art stage, as part of events marking World Dance Day.
Produced by Duende Global, the project reimagines "Swan Lake," originally composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, through a contemporary lens.
The performance is staged by Volkan Ersoy, with Tchaikovsky’s music adapted to align with modern stage interpretation while preserving its core structure.
The production features 57 students trained at the Genc Bale Tan Sag turk Academy, reflecting the school’s focus on combining technical discipline with new forms of expression.
Artistic direction is led by Tan Sagturk, with stage and concept design by Cem Gork and choreography developed by a team including Zehra Nurieva, Dilvin Ofluoglu, Melis Ozbek Yerebakan, Zeynep Isler Altunbas, Gizem Altunay, Christina Sengul, and Asli Gunenc.
The cast brings together performers from different dance backgrounds.
Award-winning principal ballerina Nilay Tahiroglu will appear as a guest artist in the lead role. Tahiroglu has previously performed "Swan Lake" in 29 shows across seven cities in the United Kingdom.
She will be joined by Bartucan Simsir, a prize-winning dancer recognized at competitions including Prix de Lausanne, the Bosphorus Ballet Festival, and the Istanbul Ballet Competition.
The production also incorporates hip hop elements through dancer Ceylin Han Cinkitas, who has won world breaking and European hip hop championships.
Cinkitas will perform the role of Rothbart, bringing a different physical style to one of the story’s central characters.
The show is structured in two acts and combines classical ballet storytelling with group choreography influenced by hip hop.
Rather than presenting "Swan Lake" in its traditional form, the production focuses on contrast, pairing the precision of ballet with the rhythm and energy of street dance.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
2 min read
