Where Does the Ballet Don Quixote Take Place?

Ballet

Don Quixote, the ballet composed by Ludwig Minkus, has captivated audiences since its debut in 1869 at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The ballet is based on Miguel de Cervantes’ novel of the same name and follows the adventures of a retired country gentleman who imagines himself a knight-errant. While his journey is filled with misadventures, he eventually finds his true love from a faraway place.

The story of Don Quixote has been enjoyed all over the world, but it is especially beloved by Spanish audiences. This could be why much of the ballet takes place in Spain.

The first act begins with Don Quixote and his companion Sancho Panza who are traveling through an imaginary Spanish village called La Mancha. Here, they encounter merchants and gypsies selling their wares.

The second act takes place in Barcelona. Here, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza come across a group of street entertainers and dancers who perform to entertain them. As they watch this performance, Don Quixote falls head-over-heels for one of the dancers, Kitri. The third act begins in Kitri’s father’s inn where she and her love Basilio are trying to elope against her father’s wishes; however, Don Quixote intervenes and helps them get away safely.

The fourth act takes place at a masquerade ball at an estate near Barcelona. All of the guests are dressed as characters from Cervantes’ novel and are dancing to Minkus’ music. Here, we see Kitri reuniting with Basilio after being separated for some time. The fifth and final act takes place at an ancient castle where Kitri and Basilio get married surrounded by their family and friends.

Don Quixote has been performed countless times since its debut over 150 years ago and continues to be one of the most popular ballets today. Even though it is set in multiple locations throughout Spain, it can be enjoyed no matter where you are watching it from!

In conclusion, much of the ballet Don Quixote takes place in Spain; specifically La Mancha (Act 1), Barcelona (Acts 2 & 3), an estate near Barcelona (Act 4) and an ancient castle (Act 5).