Peninsula School of Performing Arts is proud to present a full-length production of the famous ballet “La Bayadere”. Set in India, this ballet tells the story of a temple dancer, Nikiya and her sworn love the dashing soldier, Solor. The wealthy Rajah decides he wishes to wed his beautiful daughter Gamzatti to this famous soldier and forces Solor to break his vow to Nikiya. A lavish wedding is followed by tragedy, but Solor finally meets his beloved in the Kingdom of the Shades.

This year’s production will feature two distinct casts. On May 12 & 14 the role of Solor will be danced by Evan Swenson, formerly with Houston Ballet, and Nikiya by PSPA student Lauren Hunter. Lauren was recently chosen for international ballet competition, Prix de Lausanne, in Switzerland. After 7 days of competition with 70 dancers from around the world, she was awarded 5th place and a year’s scholarship at the ballet school of her choice. She will be leaving this fall to study at the Royal Ballet in London.

Dancing on May 13 will be guest artists Chelsea Stager as the beautiful temple dancer, Nikiya, and Evan Swenson as the brave and handsome Solor. Alumnae Bret Coppa and Athena Nikolakopulos are returning from North Carolina School of the Arts to perform the roles of Solor and Nikiya in the Kingdom of the Shades.

The role of Gamzatti will be danced by Mary Sweetnam and Emma Mertens, and Aya by Luna Weintraub and Juri Maeda. Dwain Roque will appear as the Rajah and Charles Fentroy as the Brahmin, and all other parts will be danced by the ballet students of PSPA.

Each evening’s show will begin with 30 minutes of the school’s youngest dancers to delight the hearts of all, and variations performed in YAGP competitions. The program can be seen on Friday, May 12 at 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday, May 13 & 14 at 2pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students 17 and under.