What Is the Story of the Ballet Scheherazade?

Ballet

The Ballet Scheherazade is a classic Russian ballet inspired by the stories from One Thousand and One Nights, or Arabian Nights. Created in 1910 by choreographer Michel Fokine, it tells the story of Scheherazade and her three sisters, who were kidnapped by the vengeful Sultan Schariar. Scheherazade must use her wit and charm to save her sisters from the Sultan’s wrath.

The ballet begins with a grand processional, set to Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s beautiful score. Scheherazade is then introduced in a solo dance and begins to tell an enchanting story of love and betrayal. Her three sisters also perform solo dances during this scene.

The second act takes place in the Sultan’s palace, where he orders his guards to bring in his captives for punishment. At this point, Scheherazade steps forward and begins to tell another captivating story, which captivates all who hear it. The Sultan is so enraptured that he grants clemency to his prisoners.

The third act features a variety of dances featuring characters from Scheherazade’s stories—including the Sinbad Suite, featuring a shipwrecked sailor and an underwater princess—and ends with a triumphant celebration as all of Scheherazade’s stories come together into a grand finale.

Throughout the ballet, Fokine’s choreography captures the exotic flavor of One Thousand and One Nights with its beautiful costumes and stirring music. The Ballet Scheherazade has become one of the most popular ballets ever created and continues to be performed around the world today.

In conclusion, The Ballet Scheherazade is an exciting production that brings to life some of the most beloved characters from One Thousand and One Nights through thrilling choreography set to Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s beautiful score. It tells the story of Scheherazade’s courage as she uses her wit and charm to save her sisters from their captor’s wrath while captivating audiences with its magnificent costumes and stirring music.