The Royal Ballet rehearse the Kingdom of the Shades scene from La Bayadère – World Ballet Day 2018

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.

The Kingdom of the Shades scene in Act II is one of the ballet's highlights, in which a series of arabesques across the moonlit stage demonstrates the strength of the corps de ballet and the beauty of Marius Petipa's choreography. The ballet also contains roles of very different styles for two ballerinas in Nikiya and Gamzatti, a spectacular virtuoso solo for the Bronze Idol, and stunning pas de deux for Solor with both Nikiya and Gamzatti.

Ballet Mistress Samantha Raine. Accompanied by pianist Grant Green.

[ahcaroles]

I love when she says "Ladies, be proud, feel special". When you are in corps sometimes you forget you're an individual, you go with the flow thinking people are just watching one big group. But truth is, at least one person is probably looking directly at you. Nice way of encouraging their stage presence.

[kiwilover]

I love how positive her corrections were. Nothing was said aggressively, or negatively. Growing up I wish my ballet instructors were more like that rather than making you feel bad for your mistakes.

[aedegroot]

I've watched a ton of russian ballet video's lately and this woman is so much kinder, lmao

[geeklinggirl]

Just the 39th arabesque. Heck, if there are that many I don’t know how they keep track. XD

[sheenaangelietenoso]

The first ballerina. Her emotions look so raw, it goes with the music. Their teacher is really kind.

[heatherdee]

I love when the teacher says "feel special" I've never seen this ballet but I'm guessing this dance is very special!

[theminisimmer]

"Ladies lift your chests, feel proud, feel special!"
That was so adorable. I could cry.

[pinkwings]

Though Gemma's legs were recovering, her upper body was utterly gorgeous. I hope she's back to 100% soon!

[warrendoe]

I’m a complete non-dancer, non-sportswoman....in fact I find anything physical beyond just walking far too difficult ((BUT I’ve been highly ‘brain centric’ all my life...post graduate degrees etc anything mental or even emotional/spiritual I can tackle. )) So watching this is mystifying and beautiful for me....they have such mastery of their bodies they may as well be walking on water or flying; their physical skill and artistry is so far beyond the world I’ve lived in. Aren’t you glad humans are so different?

[ulazalyte]

I’ve recently got a scholarship to the royal ballet school, and I’m really excited. But since I’m originally from LA, I need to move to London (without my family, of course) so I’m very scared that I’ll feel lonely when they’re far away..
buuut I’m still SUUUPER HAPPY 😃 this has been my dream since I was 8

[cloudyvenes]

Best of wishes to Gemma, really hope she recovers from her injury.

[marielledawn]

I love watching the Royal Ballet rehearsals 😊 You get to witness up close how hard the dancers work and appreciate their athleticism 👏🏽🙌🏽👯‍♀️👯‍♀️👯‍♀️👯‍♀️👯‍♀️👯‍♀️

[ninaliu]

I just got pointe shoes! I know that's not relevant but I'm so excited!

[beasavariz]

I love their necks and collarbones omg

[gossipony]

This is my favorite rehearsal video from The Royal Ballet. It makes me want to get a rehearsal tutu and a pretty leotard of my own choosing so I can walk around the house in it and “feel special.” 😆

[federicafattore]

I am in tears. Completely moved by the music, and the precision of the girls and their professionality... Their love for this art that can win being tired, having bleeding feet... It wins everything and it's pure magic. Thank you for sharing beauty with us again ROH

[rachelfeik]

I love watching them get corrected by the ballet master because often I forget that even professionals are not perfect. It makes me feel as if I’m doing something right in dance because when I’m in class and corrected I get down on myself for not being perfect. This rehearsal just reminded me of my classes and why I love to dance

[laup]

Romany Padjak dances with every fibre of her being. It’s stunning to watch her, she is SO expressive and her epaulment is to die for. I sincerely hope she is promoted for next season.

[glitchyceasar]

I don't think people understand how hard it is to do these positions for a long amount of time.

[randomnessnessnes]

these athlete-artists deserve to get paid as much as pro soccer/hockey/football players imho