The action takes place in India in ancient times During the hunt for the tiger, the warrior Solor instructs the fakir Magedavey to inform his beloved, bayadère Nikiya, that he will be waiting for her at the entrance to the temple. There the fire worship ceremony begins. The Great Brahmin, Brahmatshora and Bayadere, among whom is Nikiya, solemnly emerges. They perform ritual dances. The great brahmin declares his love to Nikiya, but she rejects his feelings. At nightfall, the girl secretly meets with Solor. The young man invites his beloved to run away. Their conversation is overheard by the Great Brahmin. He wants revenge. Raja Dugmanta announces his intention to marry his daughter Gamzatti to Solor. The young warrior tries to give up this honor, but the monarch is adamant. The great Brahmin tells the ruler about the love of Nikiya and Solor. The Raja decides to kill the bayadere. Gamzatti, having overheard the conversation between the father and the priest, orders to call Nikiya. Telling the one that she is getting married, she shows the portrait of the betrothed and offers her rival wealth in exchange for Solor. The enraged bayadere rushes at the princess with a dagger, but the slave girl stops the girl. The Raja’s daughter announces the death sentence to Nikiya. Nikiya is invited to entertain guests at the wedding of Gamzatti and Solor. By order of the raja, the dancer is presented with a basket of flowers. A snake hidden there mortally wounds the girl. The great Brahmin offers the Bayadere an antidote, but she refuses. As she dies, she reminds Solor that he promised to love her forever. The inconsolable Solor repents of his betrayal. Shadows appear in his imagination, among which is the beautiful Nikia. She calls him to follow her.
Ballet in 3 acts.