La Bayadère – Saint-Petersbourg Ballet Theatre

Natalia Matsak as Nikyia in La Bayadere

Review by Christophe de Jouvancourt

PARIS/FRANCE: As it was previously announced on kulturkompasset.com, Irina Kolesnikova and the Saint-Petersbourg Ballet Theatre were setting at the Palais des Congrès in Paris from February 4^th until 9^th to present three productions of the classical Ballet “repertoire” : Don Quixote, starring the guest stars Daniil Simkin and Yana Salenko, but also Swan Lake and La Bayadère, starring Irina Kolesnikova and Vadim Muntagirov
.

La Bayadère was performed during three evenings (7^th, 8^th and 9^th) with the orchestra of the Saint-Petersbourg Ballet Theatre playing the original music by Ludwig Minkus
.

This production was the traditional version in three acts, based on the choreography by Marius Petipa, avoiding the fourth and last act with the destruction of the Temple, known as “the anger of Gods”. For a French audience used to the Nureyev version, there are only few differences concerning the story or the choreography. However, it is always a chance to admire the Russian technique in one of the most emblematic classical Ballet as La Bayadère.

The distribution goes beyond all expectations. Indeed, the title character, Nikiya was wonderfully performed by Natalia Matsak, who is “Etoile” at the Ukrainian Ballet. Natalia Matsak, who was replacing Irina Kolesnikova, has a very charming sensitivity and a perfect technique. Her partner was the famous and brilliant Vadim Muntagirov, Soloist of the Royal Ballet in London, who performed a majestic Solor. His technique, very fluent and natural, gives him a typical aerial style.

Vadim Muntagirov as Solor, © D&D Art Productions

Gamzatti was very well performed by Tatiana Tkachenko, soloist of the Mariinsky Theater

.

This production is really noteworthy even concerning the sets and costumes
. Those are really important into any classical Ballet but mostly in La Bayadère.

The sets designed by Simon Pastukh and the costumes by Galina Solovieva are absolutely exquisite and really plunge the audience into the oriental atmosphere
.

One can notice though that the golden idol, usually body painted, is here wearing a costume, which lowers the shining effect and the impression of religious idol.

This production’s quality was very high and one can only hope that the Saint-Petersbourg Ballet Theatre will come back next year.

Natalia Matsak in La Bayadere