MOMENTUM FOCUS:
‘BLACK SWAN’ LETS KATERINA AND WYATT INDULGE THEIR DARK SIDE
[September 12, 2024]
The Black Swan pas de deux, a pivotal scene in the landmark ballet Swan Lake, is a dramatic plunge into the seductive power of temptation and darkness. Performing it is an exciting opportunity for any dancer – and AMB company artists Katerina Schweitzer and Wyatt Weeces, making their Black Swan debuts in Momentum, are determined to make the most of the experience.
In the full ballet, a sorcerer holds women captive through a spell that turns them into swans, allowed to regain their human form only at midnight. A prince has pledged to break the spell by vowing true love to Odette, the queen of the swans. In the pas de deux, the sorcerer’s daughter – who has transformed herself into a seductive likeness of Odette – uses a combination of innocence and allure to tempt him to break his vow, a betrayal that would imprison the swans forever. Their contest of wills plays out through spectacular feats of ballet technique.
While they’re enjoying the rehearsal process, Katerina and Wyatt are keenly aware that this will be their first performance of two of the most iconic and challenging roles in the classical ballet repertoire. Their friendship is a key ingredient in living up to their own expectations.
“We are both perfectionists – we both want to work really hard,” Wyatt said. “It’s fun, and we get a lot done at the same time. We have ways to help each other, encourage each other, and lean on each other.
“I think the biggest challenge is bringing honor to the role. It’s being consistent in the acting and the demeanor of the whole performance.”
“It’s such an amazing and exciting opportunity for us,” Katerina said. “We’re really putting everything we have into it.”
Performances of Momentum will be at 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19, and at 2 pm Sunday, October 20, all at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center in Council Bluffs. Good seats are still available if you act now!
All programming is subject to change.