Romantic India provides the setting for one of the Royal Ballet's favourite full-length works: La Bayadère, a tale of love, murder and vengeful judgement by the gods. At the centre of this showcase of classical dancing is the warrior Solor and his love Nikiya, the beautiful temple dancer, or bayadère, of the title.
Originally choreographed in 1877 by Marius Petipa, La Bayadère was later adapted by the Kirov Ballet and re-created in this three-act version by Natalia Makarova with naturalistic and detailed designs that create a rich setting for an exotic tale. Two star ballerina roles, the epitome of a 'White' ballet and a Bronze Idol who comes briefly but spectacularly to life are just some of the elements that make this a perennial favourite of The Royal Ballet repertory.
