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La Bayadere had gorgeous sets, costumes, and perfect classical dancing. I was surprised that the theme of a story set in India inspired no trace of Bollywood moves but was pure ballet.
This ballet was truly amazing. The costumes, music, story, acting, and entire experience was worth watching. Ashley Wheater just does it again. Bravo!
I haven't seen a ballet for nearly 40 years, but my daughter and I took a "I'm not scared of Chicago" trip over her fall break from college, and while there, treated ourselves to La Bayadere: The Temple Dancer. Wow! Wow! Wow! It's a tremendous, sad, majestic, masterful, tragic love story with some powerful dancers, wonderful music, and, at The Auditorium in Chicago, a stately, historic, wonderful theater. I am SO glad I splurged on tickets. I loved this show.
Tremendous! Actually rivaled the Bolshoi - Which is a a true complement.
It was a beautiful dance and the music was fantastic. The performers were out of this world. The only reason I was a bit disappointed was I expected more "indian" influence in the sets and dance. But that was me I was expecting Indian, otherwise it was very beautiful. I don't know much about ballets but this is a must see
Let me predicate this by saying I'm not a ballet expert. My daughter takes class at the Joffrey Academy and wanted to go see this show. I obliged and bought us tickets. I was blown away by the staging, the dancers, the story, everything. As a recommendation, read the synopsis in the Playbill. It helps you to understand the story.
Great dancing but no WOWs! India, a country known for color and vibrancy did not show in La Bayadere. The white tutus parading around - not even a hint of the beauty and color of the flowers of India (even in the harshest sections) - a few saris thrown in to -- what -- remind us of where this was supposed to have happened?! No excitement, no mystery, lots of jette's and regulation ballet but no POW! Disappointed, expected more.
The best production of LaBayadere I have ever seen (saw 3 others). The dancers are wonderful and costumes are fantastic. Sets contribute greatly to the success. And, the auditorium is beyond compare. So glad I drove to Chicago to see this ballet. Truly unforgettable..
The performance was unforgettable! I am definitely recommending it!
This was an afternoon of elegance and beauty. The Joffrey dancers and musicians satiated our appetites for both.
The dancing was fabulous, but not what was expected. The music was not as Indian as one would imagine from the billing. Also, the third act had an interminable procession with what appeared to be junior dancers in white. Fine for 5 minutes, but it seemed to last forever, and did not fit in the overall theme of the show. Just my two cents, but enjoyable show nonetheless
This was the most fantastic performance we have seen in long time. The dancing was superb, the music beautiful and the two were in great harmony. Costumes were very creatively designed. And it was like seeing two operas in one evening.
Catch me later after I see the ballet again (Thurs.) with a different set of soloists. The opening night cast was sublime, a standing ovation. Act 3 was spiritual. Seemed perfect. A first class company. It is certainly clear why La Bayadere is more often seen as excerpts. Thinking bombastic choreography and music has always been my reaction to those short dances, but they fit in with the whole puffy storybook ballet just fine. It seemed to me maybe even a couple 540°s were accomplished quietly but leaping towards the back of the stage.
The dancing at international level, especially in Shades scene and when trios of females or quartets of males were dancing variations. Kingdon of Shades could be a ballet by itself, as it is in many companies starting with that of Pavlova. No one, but no dancer, was off by a beat, which speaks for long hours of gruelling practice. What was lost were Gamzetti's dazzeling variations prior to her death. Costumes were brilliant. Cuts in mime were appropriate. Orchestra very supportive.
