Bolshoi Ballet: La Bayad?re

Tickets: $20

Music Ludwig Minkus
Libretto Marius Petipa and Sergei Khudekov
Original choreography Marius Petipa
New version Yuri Grigorovich

Cast Svetlana Zakharova (Nikiya), Maria Alexandrova (Gamzatti) and Vladislav Lantratov (Solor)

When the beautiful dancer Nikiya and the warrior Solor meet in secret, they swear eternal mutual fidelity. However, the High Brahmin, who is also in love with Nikiya, overhears them. He rushes to reveal their secret to the Rajah, who has decided that Solor will marry his beloved daughter Gamzatti.

La Bayadère (the word refers to an Indian temple dancer) is a key work in the classical repertoire and this is a magnificent production. The story of impossible love between Nikiya and Solor is set against the backdrop of a lush, mysterious India. Marius Petipa’s choreography, here in a new scenic version by Yuri Grigorovich, is exquisite; the scene known as The Kingdom of the Shades is one of the most celebrated in the history of ballet. Bolshoi principals Svetlana Zakharova and Maria Alexandrova bring the characters of this romantic ballet to life.

(Ballet recorded live on January 27th, 2013) Running time 2h45

Pollak Theatre

400 Cedar Ave

West Long Branch, NJ 07764

(732) 263-6889