Ballet Manila presents: Don Quixote

I went to the dress rehearsal of Don Quixote by Ballet Manila not knowing what to expect. I don't remember it being discussed in any of my classes so I walked in to Aliw Theater with no background information. All I know is that because it's Ballet Manila, then it is worth checking out.

AND IT IS.

Happening on February 24 and 25, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. and on February 26, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Aliw Theater, Don Quixote is known in the ballet world as one of the most technically challenging pieces ever created, with some of the choreography raising the already high international standards when it first premiered in 1869 at the Tsar's Imperial Ballet of St. Petersburg. It is especially known for its compulsory quick and strong movements, high vertical takeoffs, one arm lifts, quick fouettes, quadruple pirouettes, and Kitri’s signature move, the Plisetskaya head-kick. 

Don Quixote is the closing act for Ballet Manila’s 21st performance season. Set in Spain, the story tells the tale of Don Quixote, who decides to become a knight and embark on a journey to find Lady Dulcinea, a lover that he has only made up in his head. The ballet places special focus on the love story between Kitri and Basilio, a pair he encounters during his adventures. The production combines great acrobatic feats, lively music, colorful sets and costumes, and a lot of comedic elements. Specially for this run, Ballet Manila will bring in Kremlin Ballet Theater star and principal danseur, Mikhail Martynyuk, to play Basilio.

I was enthralled not only by the ballerinas and danseurs (Katherine Barkman and Rudy de Dios danced the lead roles in the tech rehearsal I watched) but also by the colorful costumes.

I hope you can take the time to catch Don Quixote by Ballet Manila!