Get ready to be swept away by one of the absolute highlights of London’s summer classics this summer. Following their incredibly successful 2024 season, the internationally acclaimed State Ballet of Georgia is returning to the London Coliseum for a strictly limited run from 17 to 26 July 2026. This incredible ensemble brings a brand-new, lavish production of Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic, Swan Lake with live music performed by he Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
Reinvigorating a timeless masterpiece
At the helm of this spectacular comeback is world-renowned artistic director and former prima ballerina, Nina Ananiashvili. Widely considered one of the all-time greats, Ananiashvili has performed the lead in Swan Lake globally with legendary companies like the Bolshoi Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.
After leading the Tbilisi-based company since 2004 and touring worldwide, Ananiashvili decided it was time to bring something fresh to the stage. “I have rejuvenated the choreography to infuse fresh vitality into this enduring classic, and we are all very excited to return to London for our summer season.” said Nina.
To elevate the performance even further, the 12-show run will be accompanied live by the award-winning Royal Ballet Sinfonia, ensuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score sounds as powerful and moving as the physical choreography on stage.
Crafting a visual spectacle: by the numbers
This brand-new staging is a massive visual undertaking, paying homage to traditional craftsmanship while delivering spectacular scale:
- 300+ bespoke costumes: meticulously hand-crafted by the company’s skilled costume department, designed by the acclaimed Cyrille Gassilline.
- 1,500 metres of tulle: used exclusively to construct the production’s iconic tutus. That is enough fabric to stretch all the way from the London Coliseum to Trafalgar Square!
- Hand-painted scenic backdrops: designed by renowned Georgian artist David Monavardisashvili the hand-painted theatrical cloths ensures Georgia’s centuries-old tradition s still preserved and practiced in a more modern context.
- Sumptuous baroque sets: Gilded, grand, and designed to transport audiences straight into a royal residence setting.
Star-studded casting
The company—hailed by The New York Times as “versatile and accomplished” has also announced the impressive lineup of principal dancers taking on the demanding dual roles of Odette/Odile and Prince Siegfried.
The casting features:
- Nino Samadashvili, Mariam Lomjaria, and Anastasia Miliachenko
- Lorenzo Lodi, Filippo Montanari, and Daler Zaparov
- Guest Artist Chloe Misseldine (from the prestigious American Ballet Theatre)
- Guest Artist Oleg Ligai (from the Lithuanian National Ballet)
The company will also be joined by additional principal dancers from other leading global ballet companies at select performances.
Whether you are introducing your kids to their very first ballet or you’re a seasoned theatre-goer, the State Ballet of Georgia’s sleek grace, high-level athleticism, and emotional depth make this brand-new production an absolute must-see this July.
Swan Lake by the State Ballet of Georgia is at the London Coliseum for 12 performances only between 17 and 26 July 2026. Ages 5+. Running time: 2 hours 40 minutes including one interval.
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