This is why each of the many Odette/Odile and Siegfried pairings result in performances that feel distinct. The opening weekend of Ballet Theatre’s summer season, Chloe Misseldine and SunMi Park—the latter in her debut of the role—brought to life different visions of the tragic tale, each affecting in its own way: Misseldine, tall and willowy, is naturally swanlike with endlessly bewitching extensions, while Park, a deft actor, tugs at the heartstrings and surprises with artistic embellishment.

Of course, “Swan Lake” succeeds as a ballet only if it can create a fully realized world in which we may find this princess cursed to be a swan. McKenzie’s version starts with a behind-the-screen skit, showing Odette’s capture by von Rothbart and subsequent transformation into a swan (here, a puppet). 

The first act, depicting Prince Siegfried’s birthday celebrations, has a wholly different tone, replete with a maypole, sprightly pas de trois, and plenty of pantomime. The Saturday night cast for the pas de trois (soloists Léa Fleytoux, Jake Roxander, and corps member Yoon Jung Seo) was strong, with breezy jumps and a playful sense of musicality. Roxander, as Benno, has a particular ease of movement, lifting his arms to fifth in a pirouette that goes on and on. With ample charm and panache, he made a perfect foil to Daniel Camargo’s moody, searching Siegfried. 

Camargo, who has striking lines, especially in arabesque, was grounded in his role. I don’t usually recognize the sadness in Siegfried in the first act, while his party celebrates around him, yet Camargo is careful in his artistry—equally attentive to the steps and the story they tell.

Aran Bell, Misseldine’s Siegfried, is a natural standout for his grand jumps and skillful partnering, though his persona onstage retains a more princely air, not quite communicating any inner turmoil—at least, not just yet.

With 26 swans, including two soloists and four cygnettes, the second act of McKenzie’s “Swan Lake” is a visual thrill, requiring utmost precision and athleticisim from the dancers. They deliver (though Saturday night’s performance is slightly tighter with regards to unison); Ingrid Thoms and Zhong-Jing Fang, as the soloist swans on Friday, are entrancing as they leap and tour jeté across the stage.