Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center

 
The classic ballet La Bayadère will be performed at the Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center from Thursday to November 2 as part of the events marking the National Ballet of China's 65th anniversary. 

La Bayadère, a masterpiece of Russian ballet from the classical era, was choreographed by Marius Petipa. Set in India, it tells a dramatic tale of love, betrayal, and revenge, and is regarded as one of the most technically challenging ballets.

The production, staged over eight performances, is the company's first revival of the ballet in four years. As part of the preparations, the National Ballet of China invited Julio Bocca, former star of the American Ballet Theatre, to Beijing to coach the dancers.