Bayadere - Nikiya's death 2/4 - Russian late 20th century ballerinas - Makarova, Asylmuratova

#1 Natalia Makarova (ABT 1980)
#2 Altinai Asylmuratova (RB 1992)

[@nornsnornsnorns]

The divine Altynai is dancing in Makarova's production. Treasured memories

[@alecsia96]

Both were iconic and, there's no other word, perfect Nikiyas. Such precious, expressive upper bodies! Asylmuratova gives it an autentic indian/oriental touch through the way she moves her hands, head and shoulders/chest, her Central-Asian roots... What a treasure!

[@nornsnornsnorns]

I just had to watch Asylmuratova again. A truly glorious artist and I feel very lucky to have seen her dance several times

[@Marta44339]

Thank you! It's a dream come true to see the death scene of my two favorite Nikiyas, neither of whom I ever saw in person in this role. Both are fabulous. Makarova's upper body is exquisite, no her entire body really. Ditto for Asylmuratova, whom I saw as Giselle in NY. Is that Dowell as the Brahmin in the RB version? Makarova's staging omits the allegro solo just before she is bitten. Do most companies include this part?

[@Marta44339]

Thanks for the clarification. True that the allegro tempo is a bit incongruous, but the solo as danced by Asylmuratova is sublime.

[@nicolahodges8547]

That snake must have been mad as hell.