“Swan Lake,” the timeless and dramatic ballet about an enduring love, is at the Gallo Center for the Arts.

Staged by Central West Ballet, “Swan Lake” will be on stage at 7 p.m. tonight and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday.

The performances open the season for Central West Ballet, which last staged the ballet in 2011.

“Set to Tchaikovskty's score, “Swan Lake” is a spectacular ballet,” said Rene Daveluy, artistic director of Central West Ballet. “The ballet is in four acts and shows the immaculate synchronization of the ensemble of dancing swans in acts two and four.” 

“Swan Lake” tells the story of Prince Siegfried, who while hunting in the forest arrives at the shore of an enchanted lake. He discovers Princesse Odette, transformed into a Swan like creature by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart. Odette tells him that the only way to break this spell is for Siegfried to swear her love for her. The Prince does so, but later at the Court the sorcerer brings in his evil daughter, Odile, and tricks Siegfried into believing that she is Odette. This puts a curse on Siegfried and Odette. In the end, Siegfried goes back to the shores of Swan Lake, hoping to reunite with Odette. Fighting the sorcerer to the death, they both sacrifice their lives for their eternal love.

The evening performances will feature principal dancer Sarah Weaver as Odette/Odile; principal guest artist David Riskin as Prince Siegrfried and first soloist Aaron Gulevich as Sorcerer Von Rothbart. The matinee show will have principal dancer Paige Brown as Odette/Odile; principal dancer Phillip Riskin as Prince Siegfried; and second soloist Grant Landon as Sorcerer Von Rothbart.

Tickets are $24 to $35. Tickets may be purchased online at Gallo Arts.org, by calling 338-2100, or at the Gallo Center ticket office, 1000 I Street in downtown Modesto.