Customer Reviews

La Bayadere [VHS]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This video is a total treat. The Royal Ballet has lots of money and puts it all on stage with it's productions. The sets, the costumes, the camera angles, the "special effects" in the third act -- WOW! The dancers are incredible - a young Darcy Bussel, all youthful enthusiasm with incredible extension, great leaps and gorgeous feet; Asylmuratova in her artistic prime, the complete prima ballerina, she has it all; and Mukhamedov as powerful and dramatic as can be. The only disappointment, if I may nitpick, is that the corps de ballet has moments where they really lack coordination. If you've seen much Russian corps work, the Royal suffers greatly by comparison. Look for a young Viviana Durante as one of a group of three soloists in the second act Kingdom of the Shades. You can clearly see the "principal" potential in this exquisite dancer. This production, conceived, produced and directed and choreographed (after Petipa) by Natalia Makarova is spectacular. Don't hesitate to buy it as your only copy of La Bayadere.

The Royal Ballet has its share of faithfull followers, all over the world, and they usually applaud whatever comes from Convent Garden. I bought this video primarily because of Irek Mukhamedov - here a pale shade of the Bolshoi's "Spartacus" video or live performances in the "Don Quixote" pas-de-deux that left me breathless fifteen years ago. The corps de ballet delivers the worst ever performance, with a sleepish "Kingdom of Shades". I'm a Darcey Bussel dedicated fan, however I'd rather have her doing solos or contemporary work. In a romantic pas-de-deux it's kind of weird such a tall girl being lifted. If your really want great dancing check the Kirov version.

Vakhtang Chabukiani one of great Solors of the past has brought LA BAYADARE to life with a matchless cast who breathe emotion into every scene. The two leading ballerinas: Gabriella Komleva and Tatiana Terekhova as Nikia and Gamzatti couldn't be better. All this with Rejen Abdyev as Solor and wonderful soloists and corps de ballet leave you without a moment of boredom.

La Bayadere performed by the Royal Ballet is in fact the best production of this ballet, bar none. The Royal Ballet is one of the most exquisite companies, always producing top of the line performances, maybe because of: some of the best trained dancers from their school, super star guests, beautiful choreography, amazing stage production, who knows? With the addition of Ms. Darcy Bussell, one of the finest dancers of the 21st century, this ballet is complete. The dancers are well rehearsed, each step done with a purpose. The corps look as one. The principals flawless. This La Bayadere is the only version you should ever compare against.

This is one of my favourite ballet videos and I found this staging of La Bayadere very beautiful. And I am a huge fan of Asylmuratova and she completes this ballet. What I liked best is that three great dancers from different backgrounds came together (Bussell from the Royal; Mukhamedov from the Bolshoi; Asylmuratova from the Kirov)for this production. You won't ever regret buying this video.

Nice staging of the ballet, excellent dancing buy the stars. Irek Mukhamedov in superb condition, you can still see very clearly the tracks of is Russian schooling with the big , bold style. Sometimes it seems here a bit too big in my opinion. Bussell is very good. a strong and acomplished dancer, but still not enough artistry in her movement. She is still young in this ballet and from what i've seen became a better artist since. Asylmuratova is just a beautiful artist, and a joy to watch.

This is my favorite ballet video (I have over 50). The dancing is wonderful. Darcey Bussell leaps so high in the air. And Altynai Asylmuratova is just perfect for the part. If you buy this video you won't regret it!

Asylmuratov is a good Nikiya but there is something about her arms which constantly bother me. Perhaps it's the thinness or her rather stiff port de bras..I don't know.

Bussell on the other hand is just beautiful in the second ballerina role of Gamzatti. Her jumps are magnificent and although she is not known for her acting, her regal turn as the Princess here is very effective.

The sets are beautiful and the staging effective. However, the quality of the video is not the highest you will ever see but it is satisfactory to say the least.

With Darcy Bussel, Altynai Asylmuratova, and Irek Mukhammedev, this production has an all-star cast. The sets and costumes were beautiful, and the dancers did justice to Makarova's inspired choreography.

Darcy Bussel portrayed a unique Gamazatti with magnificant leaps.Overall this is one of my favorite ballet videos.