Alexandre Dumas´ novel about the Maitresse Parisienne Marguerite Gautier has been the model for opera (La Traviata), several movies and ballets. 1978 John Neumeier created his version of the theme for the Stuttgarter Ballet with Marcia Haydée. Later he also included this work into the repertoire of his own Ballet in Hamburg. The Lady of the Camellias takes up a prominent position in the catalogue of works by the american choreographer. The strong impact of this ballet is also documented with the movie staring Marcia Haydée and Ivan Liska.

Neumeier very subtle uses the tragic story of the title-heroin Marguerite and her lover Armand Duval by reflecting it against the fate of another couple from a former century, Manon Lescault and her lover Des Grieux. This allows and gives room for four prominent dancing-roles with many smaller parts and a big corps de ballet.

The music from the work of Fredéric Chopin proves great taste and adds a high musical quality to the ballet.