China National Ballet of China will bring an all-star cast to recreate Makarova’s complete classic version of -La Bayadere-

From October 24 to November 2, the classical ballet masterpiece “La Bayadère” will be performed at the Tianqiao Theatre in Beijing. This grand eight-performance event marks a significant celebration for the China National Ballet as part of its 65th anniversary series, and it is also a key piece in the 2024 National Art Troupe performance season.

“La Bayadère,” created by the father of classical ballet, Marius Petipa, premiered in 1877 and is widely recognized as one of the most challenging ballets ever. It pioneered the symphonic choreography style in ballet and represents a monumental advancement in the art form, serving as a foundational work from which many classic ballets have evolved.

The upcoming production of “La Bayadère” is directed by ballet master Natalia Makarova, a legendary figure in modern ballet, often hailed as the “most outstanding ballet star of the past 50 years.” Not only has she left a dazzling mark on stages around the world with her performances, but she has also created numerous celebrated works as a choreographer. This version of “La Bayadère” is particularly precious as it faithfully recreates the original third act where the temple collapses, aligning with Petipa’s initial vision for the ballet. This magnificent scene not only creates a stunning visual spectacle but also elevates the emotional climax of the entire performance.

The artistic relationship between the China National Ballet and Makarova began in 2007 with “Swan Lake,” where the company’s professionalism and meticulous technique earned her high praise. In 2016, they collaborated again to stage Makarova’s beloved work, “La Bayadère.” At the age of 76, Makarova traveled thousands of miles to provide extensive guidance to the company for over two weeks, ultimately praising their performance as “authentic.”

This revival marks the first time in four years that the China National Ballet has staged this piece, with renowned ballet star Julio Bocca, whom Makarova trusts and recommends, returning to direct the rehearsals. Principal dancers Qiuyun Ting and Ma Xiaodong, along with Xu Yan, Fang Mengying, and Zhan Xinlu, will all take the stage, showcasing this classic work infused with the essence of Russian classical ballet and rich Indian influences.