Dancers in tutus fluttered their arms in a packed theatre resonating with the well-known classical music as Cornell Ballet Club performed their interpretation of Swan Lake’s second act on Saturday evening.
Founded just seven months ago as the University's first and only ballet club, CBC captivated its sold-out Schwartz Performing Arts Center audience with the beloved classic on Saturday night.
CBC put unique spins on the production, making the show its own. Usually set on a moonlit lake, the rendition took place at a more familiar setting — Beebe Lake. The Swan Queens and their maidens are cursed by a spell that transforms them into swans by day. With no male dancers or “king” to pledge eternal love and break the spell, the club focused on a “shared sisterhood among the swans” to lift the curse, according to CBC’s Marketing Chair Tobie Bertisch ’25.
Their creative interpretation left a lasting impression on audience members. Sumner Broadfoot ’25 attended the performance to support her friend and explained that she left with admiration for CBC’s dedication and artistry that brought the show to life.
“It was incredible to get to watch everyone do something they were so clearly passionate about and put so much work and effort into,” Broadfoot said.
Just over a day after releasing tickets, the 130-seat theatre in Schwartz Performing Arts Center sold out. The club’s quickly-gained success filled its members with gratitude for the community they built and the outreach they achieved.
Bertisch recognized the impact the club and their first performance of Swan Lake have made across the University.
“It really feels like this club filled a niche that people were wanting and are interested in,” Bertisch said. “It’s allowed us to connect not only among other students but across faculty.”
This enthusiasm extended to the audience, drawing in ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Jessica Dure, who is pursuing a doctorate in veterinary medicine, decided to attend after receiving an email about the production.
“It was so beautiful. I thought they did such a great job, and it was so surprising to hear that this was their first [performance],” Dure said.
Behind their seamless first performance were months of planning and dedication, starting back just one month after the founding of the club in September. The club decided on Swan Lake as a fitting production that would suit the myriad of skill levels in their cast. Emma Rethy ’25, co-president of CBC, found joy in the process of selecting a production that suited everyone’s skillset, as more than 50 dancers of varied skill levels comprise CBC.
“It works really well with a cast of a lot of dancers,” Rethy said. “[There is] lots of room for solos and small groups, … so it really lets everyone's dancing shine.”
With their first performance a success, CBC is eager to continue the momentum. The club hopes to make these performances an annual tradition.
To close out their production, CBC ended with an acknowledgment of the senior dancers and choreographer Anna Liba ’25. The seniors received immense praise for the mark they left on the newly founded club and the University. Molly Goldstein ’25, co-president of CBC, feels grateful for the work, friendships and legacy they were able to create.
“It’s our passion project — that's really what it feels like. It's something that we love to do,” Goldstein said. “We don't get graded. We don’t get tested. ... It’s purely because we love it.”
Rafaela Gandolfo Bustamante ’28 is a Sun contributor and can be reached at rg792@cornell.edu.
