The Directors' Summer culminates in spectacular production of La Bayadère!
After five weeks training with some of the nation’s top artistic directors, the dancers attending The Directors’ Summer workshop at Boca Ballet Theatre took the stage on August 1–2, 2026, to perform in La Bayadère alongside American Ballet Theatre’s Skylar Brandt and Philadelphia Ballet’s Sterling Baca and Scarlett Güémez. It was an unforgettable production, featuring extravagant sets and costumes, magical special effects, and spectacular displays of our dancers’ artistry!
The cast of BBT’s 2026 production of La Bayadère. Photo by Sharon Morgenstern.
We were thrilled to welcome ABT’s Skylar Brandt back to Boca this summer to make her role debut as Nikiya! Skylar made another debut with us back in 2021, when she danced as Odette/Odile in BBT’s production of Swan Lake. It was a treat to witness her poise, power, and control in a role with such range—from the sweeping abandon of a woman in love to the moving lament of the heart-broken to the cool presence of a ghostly spirit.
Skylar Brandt and Scarlett Güémez in Boca Ballet Theatre’s production of La Bayadère. Photo by Sharon Morgenstern.
Philadelphia Ballet’s Sterling Baca and Scarlett Güémez also returned to South Florida after captivating our audience at our 35th Anniversary Gala, where they danced a stunning pas de deux from the ballet Spartacus. In La Bayadère, Sterling starred as the warrior Solar, bringing bravura and poignancy to his portrayal of a character pulled in two directions: between the lover he pledged himself to and the princess he’s forced to marry. Scarlett was absolutely regal as Gamzatti, demonstrating her classical technique in sparkling variations and pas de deux and her acting prowess in scenes that revealed her character’s majesty, cunning, and vulnerability.
Our summer workshops dancers—who hailed from professional training programs, second companies, and college dance programs from around the country—showed off their talent in a variety of corps de ballet and soloist roles, perhaps none more memorable than Act II’s The Kingdom of the Shades, which remains one of ballet’s most iconic displays of classical technique. Colorful scenes like the sacred forest’s temple dances, the palace engagement celebration, and the final wedding ceremony also allowed dancers to shine with classical and Indian-inspired dance technique.
We extend sincerest thanks to the cast, crew, volunteers, and patrons who made this production of La Bayadère possible! It was incredible working with the talented dancers attending The Directors’ Summer workshop at BBT, and we couldn’t be more grateful to our professional guest artists Skylar Brandt, Sterling Baca, and Scarlett Güémez for serving as inspiration to these stars of tomorrow. Thank you also to all those who braved the rain to see this spectacular ballet! It was such a treat dancing for you all!