Dubai Opera set to captivate audiences with La Bayadère

DUBAI: Once again, Dubai Opera is set to captivate audiences with one of the most extraordinary, finest, and revered ballet productions in the world. From February 14–16, 2025, the stage will be graced by the breathtaking classical ballet La Bayadère, a mesmerizing odyssey of passion, fate, and transcendence. This internationally acclaimed masterpiece, featuring the illustrious talents of Vadim Muntagirov and Fumi Kaneko, unfolds a spellbinding narrative of love, betrayal, jealousy, and redemption set against the opulent backdrop of ancient India.

As one of the greatest ballet productions ever staged, La Bayadère remains a testament to the grandeur and depth of classical ballet. A true jewel of the repertoire, La Bayadère follows the poignant and romance between Nikiya, a sacred temple dancer, and Solor, a noble warrior. Their story is one of devotion, sacrifice, and the pursuit of destiny, elevated by Ludwig Minkus’s evocative score, arranged by John Lanchbery. With its breathtaking choreography, lavish costumes, and the grandeur of a live orchestra, this production is a visual and emotional triumph, transporting audiences into a world of ethereal beauty and dramatic intensity.

As one of the greatest ballet productions ever staged, 'La Bayadère' remains a testament to the grandeur and depth of classical ballet.

Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera, expressed his admiration for the production, stating: "Dubai Opera is committed to presenting world-class performances, and La Bayadère stands as a shining example of artistic excellence. This production encapsulates the grace, power, and timeless beauty of ballet, offering our audiences an experience of unparalleled magnificence. We are honored to bring one of the world’s most celebrated ballet spectacles to our stage, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a production that has mesmerized generations."

This stunning rendition, masterfully choreographed and directed by Jaroslav Slavický, remains faithful to the legendary vision of Marius Petipa while infusing it with renewed brilliance. The grandeur of the production is further elevated by set designer Marek Hollý and costume designer Josef Jelínek, ensuring a visual masterpiece that enhances the ballet’s profound storytelling.

The stellar cast also includes: Nikiya: Fumi Kaneko, Chanell Cabrera, Solor: Vadim Muntagirov, Adrian Sánchez, Gamzatti: Sehyun An, Klaudie Lakomá, The High Brahmin: Ilya Mironov, Rajah: Ivan Příkaský, Fakir: Arthur Abram, Shoma Ogasawara and The Bronze Idol: Shoma Ogasawara, Joao Gomes, Rin Isomura.

As one of the greatest ballet productions ever staged, 'La Bayadère' remains a testament to the grandeur and depth of classical ballet.

With The Shades’ iconic scene; one of the most celebrated moments in ballet history; this production of La Bayadère promises to be a visually and emotionally profound experience, immersing audiences in themes of fate, spiritual transcendence, and forgiveness.

Dubai Opera is the main performing arts centre of the United Arab Emirates. A unique venue inaugurated in 2016, Dubai Opera is the city's only purpose-built multi-format theatre with an Auditorium of 2000 seats and a Studio that accommodates up to 250 patrons, situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, developed by Emaar. Its mission is to serve, unify, and inspire the community of Dubai and beyond by celebrating the cultures of the world. Through excellence in the arts, Dubai Opera aims to build a more vibrant and inclusive society, placing Dubai Opera, Dubai, and the UAE at the forefront of the global cultural scene.

Be transported to the opulent world of ancient India with La Bayadère, a ballet that tells an epic story of love, jealousy, and ultimate forgiveness. This mesmerizing production follows Nikiya, a temple dancer whose forbidden love for the noble warrior Solor ignites a web of betrayal. As passions clash, the jealous High Brahmin and the vengeful princess Gamzatti conspire to tear them apart, leading to heartbreak, tragedy, and otherworldly redemption. The iconic "Kingdom of the Shades" scene — celebrated as one of the most breathtaking moments in ballet history — offers a glimpse into a transcendent realm where love and sacrifice endure beyond earthly boundaries.

This breathtaking production stars the principal dancers of the Royal Ballet, Vadim Muntagirov and Fumi Kaneko, whose artistry and grace bring unparalleled depth to the lead roles. With stunning choreography, lavish costumes, and a stirring live score performed by the National Theatre Brno orchestra, La Bayadère is a feast for the senses and the soul.