Don Quixote Ballet is a romantic ballet in three acts, based on Miguel de Cervantes’ novel, Don Quixote. The ballet was choreographed by Marius Petipa for the Bolshoi Ballet in 1869 and has been performed by many companies all over the world.
The main character of the story is Don Quixote, a Spanish gentleman who sets out on an epic journey to seek glory and adventure. He is accompanied by his loyal sidekick, Sancho Panza. On their journey, they encounter a variety of characters including windmills that they mistake for giants, beautiful princesses that they attempt to rescue, and gypsies with whom they form an unlikely bond.
The principal roles of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza are usually danced by two male dancers. These roles require great technical skill as well as physical strength and stamina due to the dynamic lifts and jumps that are featured throughout the ballet. The role of Kitri is usually performed by a female dancer; she is the daughter of an innkeeper who falls in love with Don Quixote’s squire, Basilio.
In addition to these principal roles, the Don Quixote Ballet also features numerous other characters who contribute to the storyline. One such character is Mercedes – a gypsy girl who catches Basilio’s eye – as well as Espada (the Duke’s Guard) and Gamache (the Innkeeper).
The story culminates with Kitri and Basilio’s wedding celebration which features lively music and grand pas de deux for all characters involved.
In conclusion, it can be said that Don Quixote Ballet is a classic piece of Russian classical dance storytelling which culminates in a joyous celebration of love between two unlikely lovers. The main character in this ballet is undoubtedly Don Quixote himself – a romantic dreamer who embarks on an epic journey in search of adventure.