Ballet
Tap Dance
Mommy and Me
Zumba
Le Bayedere
Gallery Ballet Presents:
Le Bayedere 2002
Original Choreography by Marius Petipa
Re-staged and choreographed by Edwina Castle in June 2002
Music by Ludwig Minkus
Scene I
La Bayadere is the love story of Nikija, an Indian temple dancer and Solor, a young warrior. At the temple, she refuses the advances of a Brahmin, who threatens revenge, but consents to go with Solor, if he will swear fidelity to her.
Scene II
At the palace, the ruling Raja offers the hand of his daughter Gamzatti in marriage. Solor, fascinated by the princess's beauty and afraid of offending the ruler, forgets his vow and accepts. During the festivities that follow, the Brahmin tells the Rajah of Solor's promise to Nikija. Meanwhile, Nikija learns from Gamzatti the name of her future husband and protests in vain to her powerful rival.
Scene III
A heartbroken Nikija must dance at the wedding celebration of Solor and Gamzatti, during which the slave hands her a basket of flowers concealing a poisonous snake that bites her. The Brahmin offers to save her on condition that he shall have her for himself, but she refuses and drops lifeless.
Scene IV
In despair at Nikija's death, Solor returns to his room to mourn. During his restless sleep, he dreams of Nikija in the kingdom of shades. Nikija begs him to keep his faith and remain true, then he will be blessed and find eternal peace. Solor wakes from his dream alone.
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