Shanghai Ballet's classic production of Swan Lake, a cornerstone of its repertoire since its 2015 debut, continues to enchant global audiences. Choreographed by the company's specially appointed Artistic Director Derek Deane—former Artistic Director of the English National Ballet—this rendition is a heartfelt tribute to the tradition and evolution of classical ballet.

A defining feature of this production is its breathtaking expansion of the corps de ballet: instead of the customary 16 or 24 swans, Shanghai Ballet presents a stunning ensemble of 48 dancers. Moving as one elegant entity, they create fluid, beautifully symmetrical patterns across the stage. Each scene unfolds with mesmerizing order and richness, turning the familiar "lake of swans" into a vast, undulating "sea of swans." This grand vision brings a fresh, awe-inspiring scale and layered beauty to the timeless classic.

In recent years, this acclaimed Swan Lake has become a frequent and celebrated guest on international tours. Managed internationally by China Performing Arts Agency (CPAA), the production has already performed overseas over 100 times. In January 2020, it made a triumphant debut at the prestigious Lincoln Center in New York, completing four sold-out shows at the David H. Koch Theater—a venue often regarded as a benchmark for world dance. The successful run was recognized as a Key National Cultural Export Project.

Building on this global momentum, CPAA brought Shanghai Ballet's Swan Lake on a 36-performance tour across the Netherlands in 2023. This milestone tour set a new record for the most performances of Swan Lake overseas by any Chinese ballet company.