Indian spice adds heat to classic ballet

As Nikiya, Marianela Nunez displayed luscious arm movements and back bends — a truly exotic temple dancer with an air of sadness pervading her dancing. In Vadim Muntagirov, she had a fine partner, with wonderful elevation and the ability to land the most difficult jumps without the slightest wobble. Natalia Osipova brought evil glamour and her sure technique to the role of Gamzatti, the Rajah’s daughter with her heart set on marrying Solor. Nunez and Osipova are due to alternate their roles at some performances.

This production is a triumph: the sets, by Pier Luigi Samaritani are beautiful, evoking the heat of India, and Yolanda Sonnabend’s costumes are colourful and

opulent. At