Swan Song Review: The Behind-the-Scenes Struggle to Launch a Ballet

“Ballet is fucking punk rock,” declares corps de ballet member Shaelynn Estrada towards the end of this engrossing documentary. While this might be a stretch for some viewers, it does make a certain kind of sense. Estrada likely wants to highlight the hardcore dedication the art form demands from its performers or its ability to evoke raw emotions. Whatever her intention, there’s no denying that Estrada herself embodies a punk rock spirit. Her journey from a home-schooled army brat who paid for ballet lessons by cleaning the studio to becoming a member of the National Ballet of Canada’s corps is one of the many compelling stories featured in this solid documentary.

Directed by Chelsea McMullan, the film follows the rehearsals and build-up to the National Ballet of Canada’s debut of a new production of Swan Lake in 2022. A diverse array of characters comes into focus. Foremost among them is the production’s director, Karen Kain, a former prima ballerina who became the company’s artistic director and is on the brink of retirement. Kain’s elegance and classical approach starkly contrast with Estrada’s punk vibe. Her anecdotes include the night Rudolf Nureyev took her to a party where she met Andy Warhol amidst heaped bowls of cocaine. She even has a Warhol portrait of herself as evidence.

Another significant figure is Jurgita Dronina, the company’s current superstar, who is quietly battling a nerve injury. With the crucial role of Odette/Odile in the production, Dronina’s endurance and commitment showcase the stoic resilience often demanded in ballet.

The film portrays a series of awkward rehearsals and setbacks, casting doubt on the company’s ability to pull it together for opening night. Interestingly, the show makes some departures from tradition. For instance, the corps doesn’t wear the usual white or pink tights, fostering a more diverse representation. This change is particularly welcomed by Tene Ward, a Black Australian dancer. Occurring not long after the Covid-19 lockdowns, which had shuttered theaters and performance spaces globally, the film offers an insightful snapshot of an art form grappling with changing expectations around representation.

McMullan employs a light touch when dealing with these deeper themes, seamlessly editing together the dance sequences and tweaking the music to add a modern flair. By the film’s conclusion, the practice of ballet as showcased indeed appears to have a punk rock edge.

Swan Song is in UK cinemas and on digital platforms from 16 August.