World Ballet Company will bring “Swan Lake” back to Fresno’s Saroyan Theatre on Nov. 21, pairing the classic story of love and betrayal with a live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s score.

The 7 p.m. performance is part of the Los Angeles-based company’s 2026-27 national tour, which includes more than 80 performances of the ballet across the country.

The production features choreography by Nadezhda Kalinina, based on the original staging by Marius Petipa. More than 150 hand-sewn costumes, hand-painted sets, projections, and multimedia visuals help bring the story to the stage.

“We believe ballet is for everyone, and the response from audiences nationwide has been incredible,” said producer Gulya Hartwick, who co-founded World Ballet Company with Sasha Gorskaya. “’Swan Lake’ is arguably the most iconic ballet ever created, and we’re thrilled to bring this majestic production to you.”

“Swan Lake” follows Prince Siegfried and Odette, a princess cursed by a sorcerer to live as a swan during the day. Siegfried pledges his love and vows to break the spell, but the sorcerer’s daughter, Odile, deceives him, setting the stage for heartbreak and tragedy.

The ballet includes the “Dance of the Little Swans” and the Black Swan’s sequence of 32 fouettés, or turns.

“Our Swan Lake combines the elegance of classical ballet with vivid, immersive storytelling,” Gorskaya said. “It’s a magical experience for both ballet newcomers and longtime fans.”

Now in its fourth full season, World Ballet Company features dancers from more than 10 countries. The independent company produces its own national tours and says it has reached more than 600,000 audience members in over 300 cities.

Tickets for the Fresno performance range from $87 to $174, including all fees, and are available at worldballetcompany.com/fresno2.

The performance runs 2½ hours, including a 20-minute intermission, and is recommended for ages 5 and older.

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