Behind-the-scenes, La Bayadere

We’re excited to take you into rehearsals for the upcoming full-length ballet La Bayadère, presented by the Premier State Ballet. Set in exotic India, La Bayadère tells the story of the fated love between the noble warrior, Solor, and the beautiful temple dancer, Nikiya, who is murdered by her jealous rival, Gamzatti. The production was first presented in 1877 by the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia.

“In the last couple of years the Premier State Ballet has performed comedic and pantomime-influenced ballets. This year the company is performing one of the more dramatic and exotic ballets in the classical repertoire. La Bayadère has a strong dramatic narrative with themes and events that revolve around unrequited love, jealousy and revenge,” commented Artistic Director, Joshua Consandine.

The production will also feature PSB mini members in its cast, which includes our youngest students from the After Hours program. “The opportunity for the members to perform in a PSB production is invaluable. The members experience the full process of putting a ballet performance together, such as the rigorous rehearsal process that helps them understand and develop the mental and physical stamina that a dancer requires as a professional,” commented Consandine.