Carlos Acosta's exuberant production of this classic tale of friendship, love and loyalty is bursting with joie de vivre.
The Story
The romantic old knight Don Quixote invents stories to fulfil his need for chivalrous adventures.
On his quest to save his (fictional) sweetheart he encounters the young lovers Kitri and Basilio.
They're being kept apart by Kitri's father, who wants her to marry the wealthy Gamache.
Don Quixote determines to rescue them.
Kitri's father is duped into giving his blessing, and Don Quixote convinces Gamache that he'd rather marry the barmaid anyway.
All rejoice and cheer Don Quixote on his way.
Background
Carlos Acosta, Principal Guest Artist of The Royal Ballet, created his first work for the Company in 2013.
He chose one of his favourite ballets – Marius Petipa's Don Quixote, a joyful adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes's classic novel.
Acosta's production has proved itself a firm audience favourite, acclaimed for its breathtakingly virtuoso dancing, eye-popping designs by Tim Hatley and the sheer energy and exuberance of the production as a whole.
The adventures of the bumbling knight Don Quixote and his ever-faithful squire Sancho Panza have been the inspiration for countless ballets, of which Petipa's is one of the best loved.
Acosta has danced the virtuoso role of Basilio many times, and brings that experience to his unique and vibrant vision of the story.
Ludwig Minkus's score, created for Petipa, is full of Spanish flair and atmosphere.
Don Quixote, with its famously bravura Act III pas de deux and infectious ebullience, is wonderfully entertaining.
