LA BAYADÈRE

When I first began La Bayadère, I wanted to approach it with as much care and authenticity as possible since the ballet is set in ancient India. I reached out to Sarala Dandekar, who teaches Indian Odissi dance here on Maui, to seek her input and guidance. Together, we explored how to merge the traditions of classical ballet with the beauty of Indian styles. We had conversations about the differences between ballet’s form and the movements and garments of Odissi temple dancing, and how to respectfully honor Indian aesthetics within the restrictions of a traditional ballet tutu. 

The artistic director, Absalon Figueroa, also wanted to bring a touch of fantasy to the production. That gave us the flexibility to bring in imaginative elements—creating a world where hummingbirds, fire and flames could exist alongside the human characters.

We ultimately incorporated a stunning collection of saris into the costumes, transforming them into colorful, unique tutus for the dancers. The process required a tremendous amount of original design work and countless hours of sewing by the amazing volunteers at The Sewing Hui, but the result was worth it. The production was a vibrant, richly detailed feast for the eyes and was enjoyed by everyone who came to see it. Looking back, it remains one of my favorite productions.