Rediscovered Classics - Nureyev: Legend and Legacy

Rediscover classic ballet excerpts from the Nureyev Legend and Legacy Gala featuring Natalia Osipova, Iana Salenko, Cesar Corales, and more.



Gayané, Pas de deux

Dancers: Maia Makhetali and Oleg Ivenko



Famous for its sabre dance, Gayané was originally choreographed by Nina Anisimova. She infused the ballet with both classical ballet and a national Armenian flair. Gayané was one of Nureyev’s first principal roles, and he instantly excelled at the folk-inspired choreography. In 1962 Nureyev staged the ballet for Margot Fonteyn’s charity gala, and in 1963 the pair performed the pas de deux on stage for the BBC. Here, Maia Makhetali and Oleg Ivenko stun in this rarely performed pas de deux.



Laurencia, Pas de Six

Dancers: Natalia Osipova, Cesar Corales, Yuhui Choe, Marianna Tsembenhoi, Benjamin Ella, and Daichi Ikarashi.



This exciting ballet, originally choreographed by Vakhtang Chabukiani, is set in a Castilian village and infused with elements of Spanish folk dance. Nureyev performed the solo from Laurencia at his graduation with his signature fiery intensity. Here Natalia Osipova shows off her incredible athleticism partnered with a virtuosic Cesar Corales alongside dancers Yuhui Choe, Marianna Tsembenhoi, Benjamin Ella, and Daichi Ikarashi.





La Bayadere, Act III Pas de deux

Dancers: Iana Salenko and Xander Parish



La Bayadere is a melodramatic ballet that tells the story of an Indian temple dancer, Nikiya, and the warrior, Salor. The ballet was unknown in the West until Nureyev made his Paris debut in 1961. In 1963 Nureyev staged his own production and infused it with his signature step the double assembles (corkscrew turns in the air). Here, Iana Salenko is perfectly poised alongside Xander Parish, who added an extra touch of Nureyev bravura in this pas de deux.



The Nureyev Legend and Legacy Gala took place at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London in September 2022 and was produced in association with the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation.