National Ballet Company Performs 'La Bayadere' After 3 Years

The National Ballet Company will perform the classical ballet "La Bayad?re" at the Opera Theater of the Seoul Arts Center from October 30 to November 3. This is the first performance of La Bayad?re by the National Ballet Company in three years since 2011.

La Bayad?re means "Indian temple dancer" in French. Set in India, the main characters of La Bayad?re are Nikiya, a beautiful temple dancer of the Hindu temple; Solor, a brave warrior who loves Nikiya; and Gamzatti, a princess who loves Solor. The Raja king tries to marry his daughter Gamzatti to Solor, leading to a tragic conflict of love among the protagonists.

La Bayad?re is a work that contains diverse charms, from dramatic elements revealing the complex emotions of the three main characters, to high-level techniques, and magnificent sets and costumes vividly expressing the allure of India and the world of spirits. About 120 dancers change into approximately 200 costumes, presenting a spectacular visual feast.

Scene from the performance of 'La Bayad?re'
Photo by National Ballet Company

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Scene from the performance of 'La Bayad?re' [Photo by National Ballet Company]

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La Bayad?re is composed of three acts. At the end of Act 1, tension rises as Nikiya and Gamzatti confront each other. Act 2 features the splendid engagement ceremony of Gamzatti and Solor. In the final Act 3, set in the kingdom of spirits, 32 dancers perform the "Shade" scene, showcasing the beauty of "Ballet Blanc" (white ballet).

The National Ballet Company will perform La Bayad?re choreographed by Russian choreographer Yuri Grigorovich. Prior to this, the Universal Ballet will also perform La Bayad?re at the same venue from September 27 to 29, presenting the version choreographed by French choreographer Marius Petipa.

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