This September, 48 swans are coming to Rotterdam. Not the feathered kind, but the dancers of the Shanghai Ballet, performing The World’s Largest Swan Lake at Nieuwe Luxor Theater.
Ahead of the performances, the dancers gathered at one of Rotterdam’s most iconic landmarks: the Erasmus Bridge. Known locally as ‘De Zwaan’ – The Swan – the bridge recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, making it the perfect backdrop for 48 ballet dancers dressed as swans.
Looking for a special cultural experience in Rotterdam this September? Here’s what you need to know.
48 swans at Rotterdam’s Erasmus Bridge
The Erasmus Bridge officially opened on 4 September 1996 and has since become one of the most recognisable landmarks in Rotterdam.
Its distinctive asymmetrical pylon and elegant shape earned it the nickname ‘De Zwaan’, or ‘The Swan’. Exactly 30 years later, the nickname took on a whole new meaning when 48 dancers from the Shanghai Ballet appeared beside the bridge, with Rotterdam’s skyline in the background.
The special appearance marked the upcoming Rotterdam performances of The World’s Largest Swan Lake.
The world’s largest Swan Lake
From 11 September, the Shanghai Ballet brings an extraordinary version of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake to Nieuwe Luxor Theater in Rotterdam.
British choreographer Derek Deane created this large-scale production with no fewer than 48 swans. A traditional production of Swan Lake usually features 24.
Doubling the number of dancers transforms the famous scenes with the corps de ballet into an impressive spectacle, while retaining the music, choreography and romance that have made Swan Lake one of the world’s best-known ballets.
Shanghai Ballet comes to Rotterdam
Shanghai Ballet is one of China’s leading ballet companies. Its director, Xin Lili, invited Derek Deane, former artistic director of English National Ballet, to create this spectacular version of the classic ballet.
The World’s Largest Swan Lake has been part of the company’s repertoire since 2015. Following its premiere in Shanghai, the production has travelled internationally, with performances in countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Australia and the United States.
Now the 48 swans are returning to the Netherlands – and Rotterdam is one of the places to see them.
Swan Lake at Nieuwe Luxor Theater
The Rotterdam performances take place at Nieuwe Luxor Theater, located at Kop van Zuid and just a short walk from the Erasmus Bridge.
That means you can see Rotterdam’s famous ‘Swan’ outside before watching another 48 swans take to the stage inside.
The World’s Largest Swan Lake
Nieuwe Luxor Theater, Rotterdam
From 11 September 2026
Performed by Shanghai Ballet
Choreography by Derek Deane
Tickets are available through the Luxor Theater website.
