Natalia Makarova's La Bayadère: a night to remember in Oslo

Norwegian National Ballet in Natalia Makarova's La Bayadère

Marianela Núñez as Nikiya and Patricio Revé as Solor in La Bayadère

Melissa Hough as Gamzatti with Leonardo Basilio and Norwegian National Ballet in La Bayadère

Marianela Núñez as Nikiya with Norwegian National Ballet in La Bayadère

Giuseppe Ventura as The Bronze Idol in La Bayadère

Marianela Núñez as Nikiya and Patricio Revé as Solor in La Bayadère

By Vikki Jane Vile, 20 April 2026

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“commanding even in these first few slow and deliberate steps, her upper body exudes a soft serenity”

Reviewed at Oslo Opera House, Main Stage, Oslo on 17 April 2026

La Bayadère (Marius Petipa, Natalia Makarova)

Norwegian National Ballet

Pier Luigi Samaritani, Set Designer

Yolanda Sonnabend, Costume Designer

John B. Read, Lighting Designer

Norwegian National Opera Orchestra

National Ballet of Japan’s Raymonda is a feast of excellent dancing

Naomi Mori, 25th April

National Ballet of Japan’s Raymonda is a gem in the repertoire, despite shortcomings in the plot. Lavish production designs, stunning classical choreography and excellent dancers makes this a ballet lover's heaven.

*****

Acosta's Don Quixote for BRB: polished but not quite enough panache

Jonathan Gray, 23rd April

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***11

José Martínez unveils his latest Don Quichotte in Palermo

Vito Lentini, 29th March

José Martínez has envisioned a Don Quichotte that recalls the original 19th century choreography while also acknowledging some of the notable 20th century versions and it's splendid looking.

****1

Dutch National Ballet's reimagined La Bayadère triumphs

Mark Vicente, 26th March

Dutch National Ballet's new production of La Bayadère does away with the ballet’s problematic gestures and movements, allowing the choreography to truly shine.

****1

American Ballet Theatre's double bill is short and sweet in New York

Ivy Lin, 15th March

American Ballet Theatre presents Balanchine's Raymonda: Grand Pas Hongrois and Ratmansky's Firebird which showcases the company well and provides a strong contrast.

****1

Mejia debuts in a sumptuous Sleeping Beauty at New York City Ballet

Carla Escoda, 12th February

Roman Mejia and a raft of soloist debuts galvanized Peter Martins' Sleeping Beauty. An elegant production with some incidental messiness and the structural liability of a princess' dependence on a kiss.

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Vikki Jane Vile

Vikki Jane Vile has been reviewing dance for over ten years, specialising in Ballroom and Ballet. In 2018, she became a member of the Critics' Circle for Dance. Vikki writes for BroadwayWorld and previously Dancing Times, LondonDance.com and CultureWhisper. She also prides herself on being a Strictly Come Dancing connoisseur since its inception and has appeared on BBC radio and several podcasts as an expert on all things Strictly. Having lived in London for ten years, she is now based in Germany and adapting to the Berlin dance scene.