Ballet: Gayane

Gayane is one of the signature works of 20th-century ballet. It gave the world the legendary “Sabre Dance” as well as the sensual “Adagio,” showcasing both the company’s powerful energy and the soloists’ refined artistry. The ballet features virtuosic ensemble scenes, elegant pas de deuxs and rhythmically irresistible folk-inspired motifs that lend the score its distinctive, unmistakably Armenian voice.

“Gayane” is a tale of courage, loyalty and love, told through Aram Khachaturian’s enchanting music and the vibrant rhythms of the Caucasus. Set against the backdrop of the Armenian mountains, the story follows the young woman Gayane as she faces moral choices – whether to follow her heart, defend her home and community, or give in to fear. The ballet’s dramaturgy intertwines the glittering variations of classical dance with the fiery temperament of character dances, creating a richly coloured stage world that is both poetic and impetuous.