Don Quixote

Don’t let the castanets deceive you: Don Quixote, one of choreographer Marius Petipa’s great successes, is a pure russian ballet, created by the aforementioned choreographer in Saint-Petersbourg in the heart of the imperial golden age.  Since then, this danced comedy has been around the world, although in Spain their lacks a version worthy of its traditions.  This has all been done thanks to José Carlos Martínez, a spanish “étoile” from the Opéra de Paris who took charge of The National Company of Spain in 2010.

Transposed to a village in La Mancha, this Don Quixote brings poetry and realism to the chapter of Cervantes’s novel which inspired the ballet.  Focused on the love between Kitri (who has become Quitéria again) and Basilio, the action also follows the wandering knight who crosses their path, while the costumes inspired by spanish folklore offer a realistic shell for Pepita’s joyous craftsmanship. A classic celebration returned to the country.

Source: Programme de la Maison de la Danse de Lyon