The classic Swan Lake is the perfect ballet for dance aficionados and newcomers alike. While longtime ballet enthusiasts will continue to enjoy the visual treat that is the Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB)’s production, the show is also ideal for introducing first-timers to the world of dance and set them up for a lifetime of appreciation.

This is the first time in two years that PNB has presented Swan Lake. In 2007, prima ballerina Louise Nadeau took to the stage, replacing longtime principal dancer Patricia Barker as heroine Odette/Odile and enchanting audiences with her grace and poise. Having since retired, she has been replaced by up-and-coming principal ballerina Kaori Nakamura, a beautiful and gifted native of Japan who is quite possibly the company’s most talented dancer today.

Set to the haunting yet lovely strains of classical composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake tells the story of beautiful princess Odette, who is transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer, and the noble Prince Siegfried, who has fallen in love with her. Though the role of Odette/Odile is a punishing one physically, Nakamura still shines — from her first steps as Odette, trembling with fragility, to her final breathtaking dance with Prince Siegfried.

Though the women’s roles tend to outshine the men’s, Lucien Postlewaite still thrills as Prince Siegfried; he is strong yet graceful, intense and dramatic, yet subdued. Together, Postlewaite and Nakamura have stunning chemistry that comes through in their pas de deux (translated simply, a step for two). In addition to the talent of the principals, the corps de ballet does a terrific job in the background, entertaining the audience with their graceful movements and beautiful flowing costumes.

The choreography from Kent Stowell is terrific, as is typical of his work, and Paul Tazewell’s costumes bring vibrant color and energy to the production. The sets, produced by Ming Cho Lee, are also magnificent. Ultimately, however, it is PNB’s award-winning orchestra that sets the bar so high for the production — they bring Tchaikovsky’s soaring music to new heights.

Reach reporter Katie Paff at arts@dailyuw.com.