Don Quixote : Flamboyant Ballet
DON QUIJOTE. Dancers Anette Delgado and Dani Hernández y cuerpo de baile. Photo Nancy Reyes
Don Quixote is a fiery ballet in three acts with Latin passion through its bright colourful costumes and impeccable dance techniques. A remarkable ballet, which earns a spot on the top 5 ballets presented in The Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal’s ballet season over the last five years.
Don Quijote. Anette Delgado. PHoto Paco Bou.
The ballet was performed by the Ballet Nacional de Cuba and the founder of Cuba’s first professional classical company, Alicia Alonso, was present. The Prima Ballerina Assoluta (prestigious title for a ballerina) first directed a version of Don Quixote inspired by the versions of Marius Pepita and Alexander Gorsky in 1988. It is the first version produced by a Hispanic company. The story is set in 19th century Spain. The dances are authentically Spanish. The technique of Cuban dancers is remarkable and flawless.
The hidalgo Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza, become entangled in the love story of Kitri and Basilio. The young lovers want to get married but Kitri’s father, Lorenzo, refuses as Basilio is poor. Instead, he promises his daughter’s hand to a rich nobleman, Camacho. Don Quixote sees in her his beloved Dulcinea and he helps the lovers escape before they are caught.
The costumes are colourful and the flamenco skirts and dresses are stunning as the dancers move gracefully across the stage. The female dancers stole the show, especially Viengsay Valdés (Kitri) and Estheysis Menéndez (Mercedes). The “pas de deux” in the third act are breathtaking as the dancers impress the crowd with their moves. The dancers did not seem tired as they returned on stage and danced with a consistent energy.
An amazing part was the arrival of the toreros (bullfighters) with vibrant colours and a beautiful portrayal of Spanish culture.
Don Quixote premiered on May 4 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier. Les Grands Ballets next show is Dream Away. Tickets HERE.
