La Bayadere ballet to grace stage at Istanbul’s AKM this autumn

The Istanbul State Opera and Ballet (IDOB) is set to present the iconic ballet La Bayadere this October and November at Istanbul’s Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM), captivating art lovers with its timeless charm.

La Bayadere: Masterpiece bridging romantic and classical eras

Originally choreographed by the legendary Marius Petipa and set to the music of Ludwig Minkus, La Bayadere is considered a masterpiece that bridges the romantic and classical periods. It made its debut on Feb. 4, 1877, at the Bolshoi Kamenny Imperial Theatre in St. Petersburg, and has since been celebrated worldwide for its powerful storytelling and dramatic choreography.

The ballet had its Türkiye premiere on March 31, 1997, performed by the Ankara State Opera and Ballet.

Star-studded cast for mesmerizing performance

Under the direction of Aysem Sunal Savaskurt, the production will showcase a rotating cast of talented dancers. Nikiya will be portrayed by Busra Ay, Berfu Elmas and Berin Kocabasoglu, while Solor will be performed by Cagatay Ozmen, Batur Buklu and Yilmaz Berkay Gunay.

Gamzatti will be brought to life by Gizem Tuncay, Merve Topaldemir, Ayca Anil and Ami Naito. The role of the Golden Idol will be danced by Can Bezirganoglu, Yilmaz Berkay Gunay and Arda Erkara, with Onur Tunay and Bahadir Ovacikli alternating as the High Brahmin. Alkis Peker and Alper Akalin will share the role of the Rajah.

Performance dates and tickets

The highly anticipated performances of La Bayadere will take place at AKM on Oct. 16, 19 and 23, as well as on Nov. 7 and 9. Ballet enthusiasts can experience the grandeur and elegance of this classic production on these dates.

Be sure to mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of artistry and ballet magic.