Tchaikovsky's 1877 Swan Lake ballet could almost have been created for the ice rink.

The show was fantastic, with every move on ice in this classic ballet performed with great and obvious skill. Throughout, I was amazed by the skills of the Imperial Ice Stars, with their cast of Olympians and international figure skaters

The truly appreciative audience was mesmerised by the wonderful skating, featuring triple flips, graceful spirals, loops, daring double axels, along with incredible lifts.

Ensemble pieces, including the dancing cygnets, the night vision flight of the swans and the Royal Ball, were performed against an amazing backdrop of superbly crafted scenes incorporating dazzling special effects with glow-in-the-dark snow and fire. The effects were breathtaking.

Tchaikovsky's outstanding score was complimented by excellent costumes and breathtaking performances by the cast.

The audience were treated to a rather different portrayal of the love story – and we enjoyed it all the more.

We were chilled by the ice but warmed greatly by an ecstatic finale with all the cast on the stage spinning, twirling and participating with great skill and vigour. Swan Lake on Ice had a most colourful and wonderful finale that made me glad to be there in addition to being very well entertained.

Would I go and see the Imperial Ice Stars performance of Swan lake on Ice again? Oh most definitely; so definitely.

Sharon Merner

09/03/2011