Reflections on the history of La Bayadère (The Royal Ballet)

Choreographer Shobana Jeyasingh and Principal Guest Teacher Olga Evreinoff speak to Petroc Trelawny about the history and challenges of La Bayadère.

An iconic 19th-century Russian ballet, La Bayadère 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 Bayadère as a child in Leningrad and created this production in 1980. It was first performed by The Royal Ballet in 1989.

[leticiabatistam]

I could listen to teacher Olga forever

[ichdenkesonstichbin]

this is such a special talk with an Indian dancer/choreographer. I love Olga. She is so beautiful.

[msbeejones]

royal ballet always has the BEST videos!

[aidepaul]

"It is of course not authentic, but it's part of the culture of that time!" That's all there is to say.

[ernestcastro]

This is wonderful thank you very much.

[KhaJani]

Thank you so much for those Videos! ⭐ Like them very much 😊

I think the reason for costume choice in Act 3 of La Bayadere is because they're not representing people any more... They're representing puffs of smoke or spirits drifting through the air... Solor is smoking opium and those puffs are represented the movement and the style of choreography and costume...

[chronicallykat]

I can't hear them with volume maxed

[kitridulac]

I wish you had used proper mikes. Cannot hear them!

[mariarebecamorillasaguiler]

Debería haber una traducción al castellano

[LuizFilipeLucchiari]

That is a very special discussion about the cultural aspects of La Bayadère that might have bothered me in some ways. I particularly dislike the way russian companies present this ballet nowadays, being possibly offensive for Indians to watch...