La Bayadère or The Temple Dancer is a grand ballet, composed by Léon Minkus and a libretto by the choreographer Marius Petipa and Sergei Khudekov. Evoking an India of legends, intrigues, and dramatic love, La bayadère is one of the cardinal ballets of the classical repertoire.
Rudolf Nureyev’s production, the last of his interpretations of the great classics, came to La Scala for the first time in December 2021 with new sets and costumes designed for the occasion by Luisa Spinatelli.
An extraordinary debut for a sumptuous production, rich in virtuosity and variations, which concludes with the third act, a memorable evocation of the classic in the purity of the whiteness of the Kingdom of the Shades, a vision that has embellished the success of this ballet in the West and the brilliant star of Rudolf Nureyev, who both danced in and choreographed this extraordinary ballet.
“La Bayadère” is known for its impressive ballet scenes, including the famous “Kingdom of Shadows”. The ballet’s plot explores themes of love, betrayal, guilt and redemption, offering the audience a fascinating journey into an exotic and dramatic world.
The Story
“La Bayadère” is a ballet in three acts choreographed by Rudolf Nureyev based on Marius Petipa. The action takes place in exotic India and tells the story of the temple dancer Nikiya, the warrior Solor and the princess Gamzatti.
The first act introduces the idyllic world of the temple of Nikya and her love for Solor. They swear eternal loyalty, unaware that Gamzatti, the Princess of India, is already engaged to Solor. Gamzatti finds out about Solor and Nikiya’s relationship and plans to eliminate the temple dancer to save her own relationship.
In Act Two, Gamzatti kidnaps Nikiya and offers her a poison-laced flower, which she unknowingly accepts. Nikiya is stunned by the poison and is in danger of dying. Solor, learning of Gamzatti’s deception, becomes desperate and tries to save Nikiya.
In the third act, the famous “Kingdom of Shadows” scene takes place. Solor, suffering from grief and guilt, has a vision of Nikiya in the realm of shadows, where the spirits of the deceased temple dancers appear. Nikiya forgives Solor and assures him of her eternal love.
The final act takes place during Solor and Gamzatti’s wedding. However, the gods take revenge for Nikiya’s death and destroy the temple, killing Solor and Gamzatti. In a dreamlike scene, Solor is taken by the spirits to the realm of shadows to be reunited with Nikiya forever.
Cast and Creative Team
Libretto by Marius Petipa and Sergej Kudekov
Ballet in three acts
Teatro alla Scala Production
Teatro alla Scala of Ballet Company and Orchestra
With the participation of the students of the Teatro alla Scala Academy’s Ballet School
Choreography and Staging • Rudolf Nureyev
from • Marius Petipa
Music • Ludwig Minkus
Orchestration • John Lanchbery
Conductor • Kevin Rhodes
Sets and Costumes • Luisa Spinatelli
Lights • Marco Filibeck
Booking Process
Music trip to Milan for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the ballet La Bayadère. The highlight is a visit to the famous Teatro alla Scala on the second evening to experience a magnificent performance in a world-famous environment with global stars. You can select between Essential and Superior Package.
Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. Follow the booking process:
- Select a Date
- Click on “Add to cart” and “Send Request”
- When we receive your booking request, you will get an individual offer with some hotels to choose from. Only after your selection of the services, we send you a travel contract to confirm the booking.
- Description of the Essential and Superior Package
Performance Dates La Bayadère
Choose a performance (date format YYYY-MM-DD)
Operas, Ballets, Concerts of the Season
In Milan at Teatro alla Scala