La Bayadère: A 19th-Century Classical Ballet of Love in the Majestic Realm of Royal India

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Asia Ballet Academy (ABA) is a symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to ballet education and performing arts. Our mission is clear: to elevate ballet education standards provide opportunities for local dancers and develop a sustainable performing arts ecosystem. ABA has become a hub for students from Japan Korea, China, India, Russia, Singapore, Brunei and beyond. Through our productions we aim to enrich the arts experience expand audience reach and elevate the level of ballet and performing arts in Malaysia.

La Bayadère: A Ballet Masterpiece

La Bayadère is an iconic classical ballet choreographed by Marius Petipa in 1877 with music by Ludwig Minkus. The story revolves around love betrayal vengeance and redemption set in the exotic and opulent world of Royal India. This ballet is renowned for its dramatic storytelling breathtaking choreography and the mesmerizing "Kingdom of the Shades" scene considered one of the most revered segments in classical ballet history.

This ballet has been staged by world-renowned ballet companies such as the Mariinsky Ballet Bolshoi Ballet Paris Opera Ballet and American Ballet Theatre each adding their own unique interpretation to this timeless masterpiece. The "Kingdom of the Shades" scene in particular is celebrated as one of the most mesmerizing moments in classical ballet where the corps de ballet moves in perfect harmony creating a truly breathtaking spectacle.

2025 presents an extraordinary opportunity for Malaysian audiences to experience classical ballet on a grand scale. While we often witness international ballet companies performing in Malaysia this time we have the privilege of seeing our very own young talents bring La Bayadère to the PJPAC stage. This production is a tribute to Malaysia’s performing arts scene celebrating the dedication and hard work of our young dancers who have undergone rigorous training in the discipline of ballet.

"La Bayadère is a celebrated ballet set in the exotic and opulent world of Royal India. It is a story steeped in themes of love betrayal vengeance and redemption.

Act 1

Nikiya a beautiful temple dancer (or bayadère) has taken a sacred vow of chastity but secretly loves Solor a noble warrior. Solor returns her love passionately and they pledge eternal fidelity to one another. However their love faces opposition from the High Brahmin who is infatuated with Nikiya and enraged by her rejection. The Rajah has decided to reward Solor’s valor and decrees that the warrior will marry his daughter Gamzatti. Gamzatti falls in love with Solor’s portrait and when they meethe is overwhelmed by her beauty. Even though he has sworn eternal love to Nikiya he cannot defy the wishes of the Rajah and agrees to marry Gamzatti. The High Brahmin informs the Rajah of Nikiya and Solor’s secret love hoping that the Rajah will do away with Solor.

Act 2

During the engagement celebrations Nikiya is forced to dance. She is given a basket of flowers ostensibly from Solor but the basket contains a deadly snake planted by Gamzatti. The snake bites Nikiya and though the High Brahmin offers her an antidote she chooses death rather than a life without Solor.

Act 3

Solor grief-stricken and went asleep dreams of being reunited with Nikiya in the Kingdom of the Shades. Awakening he realizes that he must prepare to marry Gamzatti.: The vision of Nikiya remains with Solor as the wedding ceremony begins at the Sacred Temple. As Solor and Gamzatti say their vows and are blessed by the High Brahmin the vengeance of the gods is unleashed and the temple and all the celebrants are destroyed. Nikiya and Solor are once again united in eternal love."

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Stage 1, Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre, PJPAC, 1 Utama E, 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia