Ballet
Onegin
Onegin is a dramatic, deeply emotional ballet based on Pushkin's famous verse novel. Created for the Stuttgart Ballet by John Cranko, it is beloved for its powerful storytelling and its wrenching duets. It is a favorite of dancers who love to act through movement.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, arranged by Kurt-Heinz Stolze
- Choreographer
- John Cranko
- Premiere
- 1965, Stuttgart Ballet
- Structure
- Three acts
- Running time
- About 2 hours 30 minutes with intervals
The story
The proud, aloof Onegin coldly rejects the young Tatiana when she pours out her love for him in a letter. Years later, when Tatiana has become an elegant married woman, Onegin realizes he loves her after all. Now it is Tatiana's turn to refuse him, and she sends him away, staying true to her husband despite her lingering feelings.
What Onegin is famous for
- the mirror pas de deux
- its Pushkin-based story
- John Cranko's dramatic choreography
- its emotional letter scene
Companies that perform Onegin
Onegin is in the repertoire of companies including Stuttgart Ballet, Vienna State Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Onegin based on a book?
Yes, it is based on Alexander Pushkin's verse novel Eugene Onegin, though the ballet uses arranged Tchaikovsky music rather than the opera's score.
Who choreographed Onegin?
John Cranko created it for the Stuttgart Ballet in 1965, and it remains one of his most celebrated works.
Why is Onegin so loved by dancers?
Its lead roles demand deep acting as well as technique, and its duets are considered some of the most dramatic in the repertoire.
Who composed Onegin?
Onegin was composed by Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, arranged by Kurt-Heinz Stolze.
How long is Onegin?
Onegin runs about 2 hours 30 minutes with intervals.