New Adventures - Principal Support Programme Video with Leo McCorkindale
April 2025
In December 2024 the Foundation was delighted to join with Sir Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures dance company to assist in their Principal Support Programme, created to nurture the development of the next generation of young dancers at the early stage of their careers. The programme prepares dancers performing in notoriously challenging and esteemed principal roles within New Adventures productions. Swan Lake: The Next Generation in 2024/25 marks the major revival of this iconic production for its 30th Anniversary UK Tour, with a focus on celebrating the next generation of talent.
This year’s Principal Support Programme is focused on Leonardo McCorkindale, one of New Adventures rising new stars, who is dancing in the role of The Prince - Prince Siegfried is the young royal who falls in love with the Swan Queen, Odette. Initially pressured to marry someone chosen by his mother, he finds himself captivated by Odette, a princess who has been transformed into a swan by a sorcerer. Siegfried's love for Odette is the central theme of the ballet, leading to both joy and tragedy.
Watch Leo McCorkindale and Lynne & Land Foundation Chair Peter Land talking about the Principal Support Programme below…
Matthew Bourne’s production of Swan Lake, The Next Generation
Photo credit: Johan Persson 2024
“It’s hard to believe that our Swan Lake is now 30 years old and even harder to acknowledge that we are now casting most Swans and Princesses who were not even born at the time of the show’s premiere! Many dancers have grown up with this production and dreaming of one day dancing in it, so I am particularly excited to announce this line-up of young performers.
Many of these dancers have been nurtured through our talent development programmes at New Adventures, notably Swan School. I know from experience what a life changing experience this show has been for previous casts and how it has inspired new audiences for dance throughout the world. I am therefore truly thrilled to welcome the next generation of swans and swan watchers as we celebrate three decades of our Swan Lake.” Sir Matthew Bourne
When Matthew Bourne’s reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece premiered in 1985 at Sadler’s Wells, it caused a sensation and has since become the most successful dance theatre production of all time. In celebration of that production, Swan Lake will take flight once more in this major revival, visiting 19 venues over 29 weeks.
Click here for details of Swan Lake and tour dates
Gillian Lynne and Matthew Bourne were friends and colleagues over many years and it was a delight to welcome Sir Matthew as a Patron of the Lynne and Land Foundation at its inception, and this new collaboration with New Adventures continues that relationship to support emerging talent in dance and the performing arts.
Watch a trailer for Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake below…
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