If there is one reason for ballet lovers to see the United Ukrainian Ballet’s performance of Swan Lake, which opened at Sydney’s Darling Harbour Theatre last night, it is to witness the brilliance of prima ballerina Kateryna Chebykina, who leads the company in the dual role of Odette/Odile.

Kateryna Chebykina as Odette and Oleksii Kniazkov as Prince Siegfried. Photo © Ben Vella

Exuding grace and pathos as the entrapped maiden cum swan, Chebykina captures the heart of Prince Siegfried, danced here by Oleksii Kniazkov. Their stunning ‘Love Duet’ pas de deux in Act I, Scene II – better known as Lev Ivanov’s iconic ‘white act’ – is a showcase for Chebykina’s impeccable line and technique, while Kniazkov delivers a masterclass in partnering as he assuredly lifts her and provides support for her perfectly centred pirouettes.

The Adagio is slow at the best of times and the recording of Tchaikovsky’s music used at this performance murderously so. At no point, however, does either dancer waver. Chebykina even manages to rise above the shortcomings of the amplified sound and create the illusion that a non-existent conductor is keeping time with her. It is...