Former dancer Raúl Candal shares his version of Swan Lake presented at the Colón and discusses the surprising absence of Marianela Núñez
Raúl Candal discusses his rendition of Swan Lake at the Colón and the disappointment caused by Marianela Núñez's absence due to injury.
Raúl Candal, the former dancer and choreographer, is currently presenting his version of "Swan Lake" at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. The ballet, which opened the season, features five dancers in the dual roles of the White Swan and the Black Swan, including Ayelén Sánchez, Camila Bocca, and others. Originally, the renowned dancer Marianela Núñez was also expected to perform in two additional functions but had to withdraw due to a fall during a performance of "Giselle" in London that resulted in injury.
Candal expressed the significant disappointment surrounding Núñez's absence, as both dancers and audiences had high expectations for her performance based on her sublime portrayal of "Swan Lake" with the Ballet del Colón earlier in 2023. His revised choreography reflects a keen understanding of the traditional piece while also exploring new interpretations, further enriched by the contributions of the five talented dancers currently performing.
The cancellation of Núñez's performances highlights not only the physical risks faced by ballet dancers but also the emotional investment of both performers and audiences in live performances. The ballet community in Argentina feels a profound sense of loss, as Marianela's presence always elevates the production, and the anticipation of her return is met with much enthusiasm and hope for future performances.