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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
Synopsis: Set in 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
CAST
Nikiya: Natalia Sheptalova
Solor: Erik J Sanborn
Gamzatti: Amy Pennaz
The High Brahman: Jesse Bunker
Maharajah: Alec Trelstad
Maharani: Brenda Bird
The Golden Idol: Richel Ruiz
The Fikar: Carlos Quintuña
Aiya: Piper Nelson
Shade Soloists: Martina Fanelli, Tatiana Kaptan, Violetta Komyshan
Temple Dancers: Kiera Baker, Tegan Baker, Blake Brown, Hannah Bunker, Karena Casey, Dora Ciacca, Louisa Kang, Tatiana Kaptan, Audrey Kohler, Violetta Komyshan
Dance of the Fakirs (Fire Dancers) and Solor’s Warriors: Levi Allen, Russel Alliev, Aaron Davies, Issac Egerer, Matthew Miller, Richel Ruiz, Kevin Sass, Hans Vroege
Scarf Dancers: Amanda Arnaud, Mikaiah Danielle, Martina Faneli, Lily Griffith, Alarica Hassett, Maylu Peña
Ajah’s Attendants: Aurelia Bremer, Josephine Carlisle, Victoria Montalvan, Summer Vickerman, Belle Zimmerman
Manu Dancers: Amanda Arnaud (soloist), Aurelia Bremer, Summer Vickerman
Gamzatti's Friends: Amanda Arnaud, Kiera Baker, Tegan Baker, Blake Brown, Karena Casey, Dora Ciacca, Mikaiah Danielle, Martina Fanelli, Lily Griffith, Louisa Kang, Tatiana Kaptan, Audrey Kohler
Drum Dancers: Soloists: Isaac Egerer, Maylu Peña, Carlos Quintuña; Corp: Levi Allen, Russel Alliev, Aaron Davies, Matthew Miller, Richel Ruiz, Kevin Sass, Hans Vroege
Pas d Action: Hannah Bunker, Alarica Hassett, Violetta Komyshan, Maylu Peña
Grand Pas: Ladies: Amanda Arnaud, Mikaiah Danielle, Martina Fanelli, Lily Griffeth; Men: Aaron Davies, Isaac Egerer, Mathew Miller
Wedding Dancers: Amanda Arnaud, Kiera Baker, Tegan Baker, Blake Brown, Hannah Bunker, Karena Casey, Dora Ciacca, Mikaiah Danielle, Martina Fanelli, Lily Griffith, Alarica Hassett, Louisa Kang, Tatiana Kaptan, Audrey Kohler, Violetta Komyshan, Maylu Peña
Shades: Pas de Trois and Soloists: Martina Fanelli, Tatiana Kaptan, Mikaiah Danielle; Corp: Amanda Arnaud, Kiera Baker, Tegan Baker, Blake Brown, Hannah Bunker, Karena Casey, Dora Ciacca, Lily-Anna Crocker, Brenna Juvland, Lily Griffith, Alarica Hassett, Louisa Kang, Audrey Kohler, Violetta Komyshan, Maylu Peña
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