Irina Kolesnikova is a regal dancer schooled in the Russian tradition, with an expressive back and secure classical technique.



She lends her white swan an athletic boldness, but with crucial mime sequences replaced by dancing, there is too much back story to fill in even with the passion she imbues.

Kolesnikova undergoes a remarkable transformation in the ballet's third act, portraying Odile with a previously unseen attack and cunning coquettishness.



She handles the role's rigorous technicalities admirabl…