Darcey Bussell. Temple Destruction Scene, La Bayadere, Gamzatti's Act III Variation

The brilliant Darcey Bussell dances Gamzatti's Variation in the final act of La Bayaere, the Temple Destruction Scene.

[@rimwidrataj8188]

I adore this variation. It shows Gamzatti is nothing but an unhappy girl who already knows that her hopes are vain. She is sad and reconciled with her fate. Even if someone hates Gamzatti, this scene arouses empathy for her.

[@musicroxeggs4]

Me too. I think a lot of classical ballets, as much as I love them, vilify the “evil” female side character whilst being an apologist for the main male character who really caused the mayhem. Solor, Albrecht, etc; I’m looking at you. I love that this variation shows the supposed villainess’s humanity. Gamzatti was really nothing more than a pawn in her father’s game. It’s sad, frankly.

[@theminisimmer]

Wow... I was wondering why I heard so much about her, and now I know. There's just something magical about the way she dances.

[@paulineiv878]

I have to agree up until now Darcey is one of the best on this variation!!❤

[@laynaribeiro3248]

Yesssssss me too

[@icarrus4u]

She looks like a human being. A strong woman. A beautiful woman. That's what I loved about her dancing.

[@78miamia]

Yes. She is magical . ❤

[@altongrimes]

How utterly timeless is this exquisite performance. The appropriate words tend to almost completely elude me. I will simply refer to Melanie Nix in this; "They say that writing a good review is harder than writing a bad one - possibly because you sit mesmerised and then forget quite how you got into such a hypnotic state...".

[@sivertha]

I like this so much better then the rythmical gymnast ballerinas we see these days.

[@ninazenik]

For me, Darcey's performance of this piece is by far the best I've seen. Her grace is unmatched.

[@zzp1]

The very, very best Temple of Destruction I have seen sofar. A long time ago, I commented about the sheer elegance and beauty of Mme Bussell - renewing my interest in ballet in general. Now I have seen some great ballerina's doing the scene but none as beautiful as Mme Bussell. Next to that she is a supreme showdancer that could have made Fred Astaire standing up from his grave.

[@EdmundStAustell]

Ha, ha. Yes, I certainly share your enthusiasm. I adore her.

[@angelgirl8533]

Bravo. Perfectly said.

[@LiliaNurmanbetova]

The Royal ballet's most promising "golden girl" she quickly became British ballet's first lady, Britain's the most esteemed ballerina alongside with legendary Margot Fonteyn, and even more - all over the world highly acclaimed and renowned prima ballerina. Incredibly strong, beautiful and lyrical ballerina with powerful technique, musicality and charisma. And her Gamazatti's dance is the evidence of this.

[@altongrimes]

Well, I can't resist looking in again on this compelling talent. It's as though this piece were custom made for her.... a timeless grace.... a magnificent elegance.... the people's ballerina.... Darcey Bussell

[@EdmundStAustell]

I am like a schoolboy in love when it comes to Darcey Bussell. So beautiful, so elegant, such a fine dancer. I've watched her filmed ballets until I have memorized every step, I think:-) I have always adored her. Another great favorite of mine is Diana Vishneva. These are goddesses:-)

[@mlal8314]

The finest Gamzatti that I have ever seen till now.

[@valeriacerrato6770]

Definition of beauty: balance between elegance and mystery

[@rc9272]

Love the arabesque and attitude turns on pointe, in this performance...she creates just the right amount of force for appropriate momentum from turn to turn - really spectacular in itself.

[@altongrimes]

I continue to be deeply impressed by this wonderful lady. The perfect "ambassador"for the ballet. The "peoples ballerina". So accessible to all the people....a lasting inspiration...Darcey Bussell....a diamond sparkling in the sun....

[@ZenGrammy]

Every time I watch her, she leaves me as breathless as she is at the end of this piece. Thank you. 🌷🌹🌷

[@johnp5351]

she was the best of the best . its difficult to state but for the people who just see her as that woman on Strictly Come Dancing , watch these videos she was incomporable

[@johnp5351]

She was one of the best of the best

[@ZenGrammy]

@@johnp5351 - as is perfectly illustrated here. 💎💎💎

[@louisefrance9967]

So beautiful to watch!

[@altongrimes]

Even beyond her extraordinary talent there lies the heart of a queen

[@cynthiafletcher9845]

Mesmerizing!! Darcey always performed beautifully with such passion and wonderful technique. C❤❤

[@EdmundStAustell]

Yes indeed! One of the all-time greats, no doubt about it!

[@EdmundStAustell]

A great dancer and a stunningly beautiful woman! Darcey is one of the best!

[@garnwalkerstables]

Oh my! Not only is she built perfectly to dance but she is technically perfect to watch! What a joy it must have been to be able to watch her before she retired ❤❤❤❤

[@kimbrooks9095]

Beautiful as ever!

[@lauraflorezcob]

I bought the last version of this with Rojo, Acosta, Nuñez and Martin, and was delighted with it. Obviously I need to buy the previous version as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@lsky4446]

WOW! Another new favorite!!!👏🙌

[@altongrimes]

Wow ! Darcey Bussell is magnificent ! What a fabulous performer ! I love her interviews, as well. She exudes such warmth and intelligence. She is a commanding presence; I am a huge fan

[@jackiedaniel2502]

Imazing truly wonderful experiences in her role!

[@Rozzyberry]

Thank you so much for posting this stunning piece. She has remarkably pure technique and fluid expression and it just inspires me so much.

[@Neosoul_prima]

im sorry but darcey needsd to grace the stage for a couple more decades because she was a legend and i miss her dearly

[@lololbagels]

She's so graceful she brings tears to my eyes, her musicality is absolutely amazing!

[@jkokich]

Just stunning. She has inspired one of my students to perform this variation in competition. Thank you for posting.

[@joana7497]

So beautiful and pleasant to watch. Love Darcey.

[@LiliaNurmanbetova]

My absolutely favourite, best-loved ballerina. Although nobody believed she would become a ballet dancer as she said herself being incredibly clumsy in childhood, Darcey Bussell is the top of the best. Her body's perfect and blessed to dance with those long limbs. Her movements are full of divine beauty and grace with flawless perfect lines. Due to her obvious talent Bussell was the most young dancer in Royal ballet's history to be made the principal dancer at the age of only 19.

[@pienkunicorn]

Wow she is amazing. Love her lines. And the fluid way she does all her adagio type work. It looks weird to see her legs without tights. I really regret I never got a chance to see a live performance :(

[@alix5704]

I've only just started watching ballet again after a break of more than 25 years. I see that I missed quite a treat -- Darcey Bussell's entire career. Thanks for letting me see a little bit of what I missed.

[@pricla777]

Oh! She takes my breath away! She's just gorgeous! Impecable technique!

[@rachelm79]

My absolute favourite ballerina in this solo. Sublime.

[@paulagiliberto7386]

Have you seen Nela Núñez? She is perfect. The best 🤩

[@rachelm79]

I saw her as Nikiya! She was stunning!

[@janeough45]

sublime beauty with every movement ,,,,a stunning performance xx

[@sabineboucher733]

Bravo, très belle performance, musique envoûtante !

[@altongrimes]

Mr. St. Austell, Surrounded, as we are by the conundrum that so often defines the human condition, we are, of all people, exceedingly fortunate to behold the indescribable beauty and grace of this national treasure: Darcey Bussell

[@zzp1]

She has not yet been qualled. I am deep in La Bayadère now. Lopatkina comes close but Darcey has some charismagnetics ( I misspell this word intentionally) that are found in very, very few dancers. I discovered that she writes also very nice books for young girls.

[@LiliaNurmanbetova]

For the first time after finishing her dancing career 5 years ago people will see Darcey dancing on pointe again at the end of the 2012 Olympic games closing ceremony as Darcey Bussell and Royal ballet's contribution to the Olympics.

[@kaseyadams1238]

Fluid lines of grace

[@michdadlez]

So beautiful.

[@elletuppen4844]

Simple breathtaking🙀🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹👌🏽

[@MelanieAF]

I don't know much about ballet though I love it, but I'm watching this video repeatedly because I'm fascinated by her arms. They look like seaweed waving in the water, they are so long and limber. I've never seen anything like it.

[@younglemeshevist]

Beautiful performance! She dances very musically.

[@nouveladam]

Stunningly beautiful and sublime. Thank you, Edmund. I cannot help but believe that those who know little ( like me ) or nothing of ballet would be captivated and carried away by this one performance. In some ways that is a compliment of the highest order.

[@altongrimes]

Hope that I am getting through to you Mr. St Austell. In the world of the fine arts - as magnificent as it is - ballet has become a kind of "huricane" of appreciation within me. I am a passionate fan. Not only is Darcey Bussel the consummate artist but she seems remarkably "accessible" and unaffected as a human being. I am on the front row with you shouting "bravo, bravo !"

[@Rainbowsandreams]

The strength it takes to control those beautiful long limbs and her amazing fluidity sets Darcy out as a prima and then she's a special soul too. The world has been blessed by her talent and soul

[@violalehner2757]

Oчень хорошее исполнение! Для не русской исполнительницы просто волшебно, потому что танцует не только тело но и душа! Она полна страсти , и это слишком технично вариация наконец обретает должный смысли показывает страптивый и своенравный но полный страсти, любви иогня порыв Гамзатис..

[@EdmundStAustell]

Thank you for your lovely comments! I absolutely agree with you, and firmly believe that she is one of the greatest of ballerinas, and, as you accurately point out, one of the finest people in general!

[@Neosoul_prima]

yes darcey yes

[@Rainbowsandreams]

Love the idea of Darby being an ambassador and diamond sparkling

[@mags62ish]

The ways she moves her body is amazing. Every single part of her is active. Astonishing!

[@ericajacobson8121]

beautiful

[@jkokich]

Thank you, sir. She's quite talented, with a quite strength and a gentle shyness that should make the variation quite touching.

[@annasendall7193]

Stunning

[@EdmundStAustell]

Thank you! I share your enthusiasm! She and Diana Vishneva are my two favorite ballerinas...they are both geniuses!

[@ralucagymnast]

Consummate ease, consummate perfection♥

[@zzp1]

A sublimation of an sublime art. Seldom I saw such a refinement in/of movement!

[@EdmundStAustell]

Welll said, my friend. The discipline required is unbelievable, and as you say, few realize how great it is.

[@FredricEric]

@EdmundStAustell Thanks for confirming! That's the best version. We had Makarova here in Stockholm about 20 years ago. I think this variation is so poetic and a kind of relief, i. e. before the apocalypse!

[@camilleyael6285]

Llore

[@LiliaNurmanbetova]

Thank you, Edmund, for sharing it with us.

[@user-qp2qt1uw6t]

凄く素敵❤

[@dogsrcool099]

she is my idol an amazing prima ballerina!!!

[@altongrimes]

Elegant....the epitome of refinement....

[@EdmundStAustell]

I heartily agree, my friend! Thank you!

[@Bellamora72001]

My God that was beautiful!

[@valerielines7825]

exquisite!

[@n11soprano]

the first time ive ever4 looked at ballet WOW and she is truly amazing

[@tsukinousagi5313]

Incredible.

[@10clementine]

Almost no one realizes how difficult good dancing is. It takes incredible strength and discipline.

[@altongrimes]

I think to myself that I am so passionate for the ballet since it affords me the opportunity to "see" the music that I love.

[@EdmundStAustell]

My pleasure, I assure you! She's wonderful!

[@Alicia94K]

That was beautiful

[@EdmundStAustell]

If your student has the strength to do it, it will be a very attention-getting variation, as I do not believe it is done that often in competition. Best of luck to her!

[@EdmundStAustell]

Lovely comments! And I agree! Thank you very much!

[@EdmundStAustell]

Thank you for the comment! Much appreciated!

[@EdmundStAustell]

I totally agree! Thanks for the comment!

[@Waterplant007]

wow, very beautiful!

[@morticiamom1]

3people got a snake in their basket.

[@ballet901ami]

AHHHHHHH SHES AMAZING!!!!!11

[@sofiaj.correagavito42]

Hei everyone! just a few months ago there was the same version done by Marianela Nuñez and Natalia Osipova. It was very interesting to see how they 3 did this variation tremendously beautiful but different in their own way. Unfortunately someone have took off the videos!!!! could you PLEASE put them online if you have it or send me the link?! They just disappeared ! PLEASE!

[@Guims83]

Osipova's is still available on KZbin (I've just seen it) and Marianela's is available on Facebook (just tap Marianela Nuñez Gamzatti through Google and you'll find it easily)

[@EdmundStAustell]

Thank you very much!

[@Bivolari]

Lovely.

[@user-jw9cp3ew8l]

👏👏👏

[@sospello]

This is magnificent--I see in the contest with the new program, you have prevailed--complimenti.

[@RONIDC1979]

i have watched the greats do this but darcy was my first and still favorite i feel like the rest are just mising something

[@quetzalcoatltopiltzin2423]

Godess!

[@livinaonuegbu7339]

Simply beautiful and passionate!

[@10clementine]

And how few people realize how difficult dance is!

[@EdmundStAustell]

It's a real beauty. Good luck!

[@user-jw9cp3ew8l]

💐💐💐💫🕊🙌

[@Alicia94K]

Bravo !!!

[@EdmundStAustell]

Interesting comment! Thank you!

[@EdmundStAustell]

I know what you mean! She's wonderful.

[@EdmundStAustell]

@pricla777 Thank you. Yes, I agree...she's wonderful!

[@PeachyPinnaple]

deffs gonna use this for my audition piece

[@jkokich]

Quiet strength

[@EdmundStAustell]

It's called Gamzatti's Variation, and it's in the very last act, in what is commonly called the Temple Destruction Scene, just about 10 minutes before the end of the ballet.