Since the inception of staged song and dance performances, few productions have been as impactful and influential as the Russian ballet La Bayadere, which premiered in 1877. One of the first elaborately staged ballets that involved multiple costume changes, set design and special effects, La Bayadere helped set the stage for a plethora of epic ballets that would arise in its wake of success. Centering around an exotic story of Middle Eastern conquests and star crossed lovers, when the ballet debuted in the 19th Century it was unlike anything most theater goers had ever seen. Because of its emotional depth and enormous stage theatrics, La Bayadere has experienced a number of revivals all over the world including New York, Paris and Tokyo.
