Learn more about our 2026-2027 Season!
NUTCRACKER ~ Dec 12-20
SWAN LAKE~ March 13-14
CLASSIC GALA ~ April 24-25
La Bayadère ~ October 25, 2026
Ted Mann concert hall, minneapolis, MN
Set in the ancient Royal India, La Bayadère is a story of eternal love, mystery, fate, vengeance, and justice. The ballet relates the drama of a temple dancer (bayadère), Nikiya, who is loved by Solor, a noble warrior. She is also loved by the High Brahmin, but does not love him in return, as she does Solor.
ACT I
Scene I: Secret Love and Betrayal
Nikiya and Solor meet in secret near the temple and swear eternal love over a sacred fire. The High Brahmin, who also desires Nikiya, discovers their relationship and vows revenge. He tells the Rajah that Solor has already pledged his heart to Nikiya. Instead of punishing Solor, the Rajah decides that Nikiya must die so that Solor can marry the Rajah's daughter, Gamzatti. Gamzatti confronts Nikiya and tries to bribe or force her to give up Solor. When Nikiya refuses, a bitter struggle ensues. Gamzatti plots Nikiya's death.
Scene II: The Engagement Celebration and Tragedy
During the grand engagement celebration for Solor and Gamzatti, Nikiya is forced to dance. She is handed a flower basket (sent by Gamzatti) that conceals a poisonous snake. As Nikiya dances, she is bitten by the snake. Offered an antidote if she relinquishes Solor, she refuses and dies of the poison.
~ Intermission (15 Minutes) ~
ACT II
Scene I: The Kingdom of the Shades
Consumed by grief and guilt, Solor enters a dreamlike vision. He travels to the mystical Kingdom of the Shades, a ghostly realm where he is reunited with Nikiya’s spirit among a descending line of spectral dancers. This sequence is one of the most famous and celebrated pieces of choreography in classical ballet.
ARTISTIC STAFF
Metropolitan Ballet Founder & Artistic Director: Erik J. Sanborn
Metropolitan Ballet Assistant Director: Karena Casey
Composer: Ludwig Minkus
Choreography: Marius Petipa and adapted by Erik J. Sanborn
Lighting, Sets & Costumes: Erik J. Sanborn
Costumers: Rachel Freeland, Victoria Morales
Stage Manager:
CAST
Nikiya: Natalia Sheptalova
Solor: Erik Sanborn
Gamzatti: Amy Pennaz
Brahmin:
Rajah: Serhii Nechytailo
Golden Idol: Richel Ruiz
Fikar: Carlos Quintuña
Aiya: Piper Nelson
Shades Soloists: Martina Fanelli, Tatiana Kaptan, Violetta Komyshan
Temple Dancers: Audrey KohlerBlake BrownDora CiaccaHannah BunkerKarena CaseyKiera BakerLouisa KangTatiana KaptanTegan BakerVioletta Komyshan
Dance of Fakirs (Fire Dancers)/ Solor’s Warriors: Aaron Davies, Hans VroegeIssac EgererKevin SassLevi AllenMatthew MillerRichel RuizRussel Alliev
Scarf Dancers: Alarica HassettAmanda ArnaudLily GriffithMartina FaneliMaylu PeñaMikaiah Danielle
Ajah’s Attendants: Aurelia Bremer, Belle ZimmermanJosephine CarlisleSummer VickermanVictoria Montalvan
Manu Dancers: Amanda Arnaud (soloist), Aurelia Bremer, Summer Vickerman
Gamzatti's Friends: Amanda ArnaudAudrey KohlerDora CiaccaKarena CaseyKiera BakerLily GriffithLouisa KangMartina FanelliMikaiah DanielleTatiana KaptanBlack BrownTegan Baker
Drum Dancers: Soloists: Carlos Quintuña and Maylu Peña; Corp: Aaron DaviesHans VroegeIssac EgererKevin SassLevi AllenMatthew MillerRichel RuizRussel Alliev
Pas d Action: Alarica HassettHannah BunkerMaylu PenaVioletta Komyshan
Grand Pas/ Wedding: Soloists: Lily GriffethAmanda ArnaudMartina FanelliMikaiah Danielle, Mathew MillerIsaac EgererLevi AllenAaron Davies
Shades: Pas de Trois and Soloists: Martina FanelliTatiana KaptanVioletta Komyshan; Corp: Alarica HassettAmanda ArnaudAudrey KohlerBlake BrownBrenna FriesenDora CiaccaHannah BunkerKarena CaseyKiera BakerLily GriffithLily-Anna CrockerLouisa KangMartina FanelliMaylu PenaMikaiah DanielleTatiana KaptanTegan BakerVioletta Komyshan
METROPOLITAN BALLET is a Twin Cities organization founded in 1998 by Artistic Director/Producer Erik J Sanborn with a mission of uniting the communities of dance, music and theater. The Ballet Company focuses on staging high impact works with an emphasis on accessibility, diversity and affordability. Learn more at metroballet.org