Premier State Ballet presents ‘La Bayadère’

Sydney-based youth ballet company Premier State Ballet (PSB) will return with another exciting full-length ballet in September, presented at the Riverside Theatre, Parramatta.

First presented in 1877 by the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia, the tale is set in the exotic Indian world of myth and sacred gods. La Bayadère is the story of the fated love between the noble warrior Solor and the beautiful temple dancer Nikiya, who is murdered by her jealous rival Gamzatti.

“In the last couple of years the Premier State Ballet has performed comedic and pantomime-influenced ballets. This year the company is performing one of the more dramatic and exotic ballets in the classical repertoire. La Bayadère has a strong dramatic narrative with themes and events that revolve around unrequited love, jealousy and revenge,” commented Artistic Director Joshua Consandine.

PSB has provided the opportunity for students to be a part of a semi-professional ballet company, which has kick-started the careers of many well-known local and international dancers. Some of PSB’s alumni include Robert Curran (artistic and executive director of Louisville Ballet), Amanda McGuigan (The Australian Ballet), and Harrison Lee (Royal Ballet School).

“The opportunity for the members to perform in a PSB production is invaluable. The members experience the full process of putting a ballet performance together, such as the rigorous rehearsal process that helps them understand and develop the mental and physical stamina that a dancer requires as a professional,” commented Consandine.

La Bayadère will be presented by Premier State Ballet and The McDonald College on September 22 and 23. Visit www.mcdonald.nsw.edu.au or call (02) 8839 3399 for more information.

Photo by Erik Sawaya.