Ballet
Don Quixote
Don Quixote is the sunny, high energy crowd pleaser of classical ballet. It has Spanish flair, fans and castanets, and one of the most electrifying pas de deux ever choreographed. If you want a ballet that feels like a party, this is a great pick.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Ludwig Minkus
- Choreographer
- Marius Petipa
- Premiere
- 1869, Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow
- Structure
- Four acts
- Running time
- About 2 hours 30 minutes with intervals
The story
Loosely inspired by the famous novel, the ballet follows the lively lovers Kitri and Basilio in a Spanish town. Kitri's father wants her to marry a rich fool instead of Basilio, so the young couple runs off. The dreamy knight Don Quixote and his sidekick Sancho Panza wander through the story, and Quixote mistakes Kitri for his ideal lady Dulcinea. After some clever tricks, Kitri's father blesses the match and the ballet ends with a dazzling wedding celebration.
What Don Quixote is famous for
- the Kitri and Basilio grand pas de deux
- fans and castanets
- big jumps and fast footwork
- its festive Spanish flavor
Companies that perform Don Quixote
Don Quixote is in the repertoire of companies including American Ballet Theatre, Bolshoi Ballet, The Australian Ballet, Ballet Nacional de Cuba.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it based on the novel?
It borrows the character of Don Quixote and a few episodes from the novel, but the real story centers on the young lovers Kitri and Basilio rather than the knight himself.
Why is the grand pas de deux so famous?
The wedding pas de deux is packed with show stopping tricks, including fast turns and soaring jumps, so it is often performed on its own at galas and competitions.
Is it a fun ballet for newcomers?
Very much so. Its bright music, comic moments, and dazzling dancing make it one of the most entertaining classical ballets to see first.
Who composed Don Quixote?
Don Quixote was composed by Ludwig Minkus.
How long is Don Quixote?
Don Quixote runs about 2 hours 30 minutes with intervals.