A DOUBLE ballet treat is coming to Weymouth Pavilion for the festive season.

The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is performing Swan Lake on Tuesday, December 4 and Giselle on Wednesday, December 5.

These classic ballets feature an impressive cast and will be accompanied by a large live orchestra with more than 30 musicians.

They will be directed and choreographed by former Bolshoi Ballet Soloist, Konstantin Uralsky.

Swan Lake is a tale of two young women, Odette and Odile, who resemble each other so closely that one can easily be mistaken for the other. It is a compelling legend of a tragic romance in which a princess, Odette, is turned into a swan by an evil curse.

Ballet fans will return to the pavilion for Giselle the next day.

The gravely ill peasant girl Giselle falls in love with the handsome Prince Albrecht, who has been unfaithful to her. When jealous rivals claim her fiancé, the heartbreak is too much for her to bear. Weakened by her ill health and driven mad by despair, Giselle takes her own life.

After her funeral Prince Albrecht visits her grave. The spirits of women betrayed before their wedding day return to take revenge on their philandering fiancés by dancing them to death. Only Giselle’s powerful love saves the remorseful Albrecht from this cruel fate, proving that love can conquer all – even death. Giselle remains one of the most celebrated classical ballets.

The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is a showcase for Russian cultural traditions, bringing as they do the passion and vibrancy of the Russian character to this well-known ballet.

Producer Alexej Ignatow, of Amande Concerts Ltd, who has co-ordinated the UK tour, said: “We are constantly on the lookout for new challenges, to ensure that our opera and ballet audiences get a chance to experience a wide spectrum of classic pieces.

“With extensive national tours that get our productions seen the length and breadth of the country, we are able to offer national audiences in various theatres an unforgettable experience at a fraction of the price of the major opera houses, all without sacrificing quality. So, continuing to work with theatres all over the UK it is very close to my heart."

*Swan Lake by the Russian State Ballet, Tuesday, December 4, 7.30pm. Coppelia by the Russian State Ballet, Wednesday, December 5, 7.30pm. Call the box office for tickets.