Spot on Darrion Sellman – dancing the leading role Siegfried in Swan Lake

In August last year Darrion Sellman arrived to Stockholm and joined the company. Darrion says: “It has been a change to come to Stockholm. A vibrant city, small but calmer compared to Los Angeles where I came from.”

“I knew the company level was very high. I worked with Nicolas Le Riche before in Prix de Lausanne. I had pretty high expectations after the videos I looked at on media”, continues Darrion.

“I am happy that those expectations have lived up for me during this first year. The rehearsal process has been a learning. It started as a daunting task and Nureyev’s version is definitely quite difficult.”

What makes it so difficult?

“Just the stamina and physically training. By the end of the day, you feel your legs are completely gone. When I started the rehearsal, I began quite slow, so I get the steps and not hurting myself. I was also growing with the story and developing the character. And understand the internal struggle he has and tried to relate it to my life. After, I have been working on the complicated steps. I have grown a lot, especially as a dancer.”

Which part is most challenging to do?

“Other Siegfried’s will say something else, but I think Act 1 into Act 2. In Act 1 I have two solos, back-to-back. And I go straight into Act 2, where I meet the swan and we go to the pas-de-deux. Followed by another variation. In 30 minutes, I have done three variations and two pas-de-deux. This whole section will probably be the most tiring training to get through.

Clariemarie Osta, has been your rehearsal help during this process?

Definitely! Nicolas Le Riche has done the role Siegfried many times and could give his own expressions how he did this role. It has been very nice to work with both of them. She gave me some partner aspects, how I should hold the partner etc.

Darrion is making his two performances (9 April and 16 April) with Maya Schonbrun as Odette/Odile.

“Swan Lake is sold out instantly and I think the reason is everybody knows the story and also the music by Tjajkovskij is just iconic. It’s an odd story but it still connects people of today. Together it makes a masterpiece which everyone loves.”

When did you see your first Swan Lake live?

“Two years ago, I saw my first Swan Lake live in London at the Royal Opera House, I was really excited to see it, because this has been a ballet I always wanted to do.”

You will also be dancing in the coming Midsummer Night’s Dream?

“It’s very different to do, not like anything I have done before! Alexander Ekman’s choreography is very interesting. We have started learning pieces from the hay-dance and the glass dance. It’s a very interesting style. I like when we make all kind of moving together, where all is moving like one person on stage. And also, the props with the hay on the floor…”

You got your first one-year contract in August 2023 until July 2024?

“Yes, and I have got my contract extended for next season too.”

The stage floor at the Royal Opera is a sloping stage raised at the back end. How was it for you to adapt to this floor?

“At first it was very difficult, because I have never before danced on a raked stage floor. It’s like falling forward all the time because the stage is slanting down. When you are on balance on a flat floor and do the same on this floor you are somewhat slanting. It just take some time to get used to it. We have a studio with a slanting floor where you can practice, but I got used to it now after a couple of months. When you do 'en manege' and you are going up the hill, it tires your legs a lot. Going down it’s much easier, it’s like flying down.”

Since Darrion came to Stockholm last year, he danced in Manon, Le Corsaire, the Nutcracker and now Siegfried in Swan Lake. Later then in Midsummer Night’s Dream before the Royal Opera close somewhat earlier this year, already in the middle of May. The house needs some improvements over the Summer. Earliest 2026 the Opera House might be closed for some years for a total renovation.

Cristian Hillbom
Stockholm