An iconic 19th-century Russian ballet, La Bayad?re was originally performed at the Bolshoi Theatre in St Petersburg in 1877, and was regularly performed within the former Soviet Union throughout the 20th century. It remained unknown in the West until the Kirov Ballet toured with the Kingdom of the Shades scene in 1961. Natalia Makarova saw La Bayad?re as a child in Leningrad and created this production in 1980. It was first performed by The Royal Ballet in 1989. The Kingdom of the Shades scene in Act III is one of the ballet's highlights, in which a series of arabesques across the moonlit stage demonstrates the strength of the corps de ballet and the beauty of Marius Petipa's choreography. The ballet also contains roles of very different styles for two ballerinas in Nikiya and Gamzatti, a spectacular virtuoso solo for the Bronze Idol, and stunning pas de deux for Solor with both Nikiya and Gamzatti.

The Story

Nikiya, a temple dancer, is in love with the warrior Solor. The High Brahmin pursues Nikiya, and when she rejects him, he plans to take revenge on Solor.

Important Information

BOOKING PERIOD: 1-17 November 2018

RUNNING TIME:The performance lasts about 2 hours 50 minutes, including two intervals

VENUE: Royal Opera House Bow St, London WC2E 9DD