The world’s premier theatrical ice skating company, The Imperial Ice Stars, return to Australia this winter with a dynamic new interpretation of their award-winning masterpiece Swan Lake on Ice, as part of a two year, 22-country world tour.

The Imperial Ice Stars have received standing ovations from Australian audiences on each of their previous three tours (Sleeping Beauty on Ice 2004, Swan Lake on Ice 2006, Cinderella on Ice 2008) and earned outstanding reviews with their adrenaline-infused performances.

This production of Swan Lake on Ice features exhilarating new choreography from Artistic Director Tony Mercer, widely regarded as the world’s leading creator of theatre on ice, as well as new effects and costumes. The 26 World, European and National Championship skaters, who between them hold more than 250 competition medals, take contemporary ice dance to a new level with their daring and graceful feats – some of which are so complex they haven’t yet been named – in the intimate setting of a frozen theatre stage.

“Inspired by my research into Tchaikovsky’s original score and intentions for the story, I wanted to create a more realistic interpretation of this much-loved tale and transpose it onto ice, creating a new art form in the process – ice dance in a full theatrical setting,” explains Tony Mercer. “I always felt it was a natural fit, to have swans gliding on ice.”

“I created our original Swan Lake on Ice four years ago in a classical style with elements of contemporary ice dance. With this production I’ve significantly re-worked the choreography to incorporate even more contemporary skating manoeuvres, and challenged our skaters to reach for new heights again!”

The costuming has also been refined for this new production, with some dazzling and sophisticated designs from renowned costumier Albina Gabueva of Moscow’s Stanislavsky Theatre, and made by the famous Bolshoi Ballet’s costume cutters.

Swan Lake on Ice will be performed against lavish backdrops and scenery created by one of Australasia’s leading scenic designers, Eamon D’Arcy.

Together with Tchaikovsky’s uplifting music, this innovative portrayal of the classic love story will take your breath away.

The Swan Lake on Ice Australian tour opens in Melbourne on 3 August 2010 before moving to Perth, Sydney and Canberra, then onto the UK and the rest of the international tour.

The Imperial Ice Stars have performed to almost three million people across five continents, at some of the world’s most prestigious venues – London’s Royal Albert Hall and Sadler’s Wells, Singapore’s Esplanade Theatre, Montreal’s Place des Arts and Cape Town’s Artscape, winning five-star praise from audiences and critics alike.

Their world tours have earned them an unrivalled reputation for pushing the boundaries in the genre of ice dance with their skill and athleticism on the ice, their creative and powerful story-telling, their sumptuous sets, spectacular special effects and opulent costumes.

Whether you’ve seen The Imperial Ice Stars’ Swan Lake on Ice before or have yet to experience the thrill of world-class ice skating in the intimacy of the theatre, this dramatic new ice interpretation of one of the most popular ballets will have you on the very edge of your seat.

With only 9 performances in Melbourne, 14 in Perth, 13 in Sydney and 8 in Canberra, tickets will sell fast, so don’t miss out!