Inspired by the choreography of Marius Petipa and set to Minkus’ spirited score, Rudolf Nureyev’s spectacular ballet is no less than a festival of dance, joyously shining the limelight on the soloists and Corps de Ballet in a wide variety of ensembles and pas de deux. Based on Cervantes’ 17th-century story, the ballet recounts the adventures of the titular dreamer and his neighbour Sancho Panza as they ride across the Spanish countryside. When they encounter two lovers - Kitri and Basilio – Don Quixote is determined to help keep them together, and after battling windmills and crossing paths with Cupid, Dulcinea and the Queen of the Dryads, it’s he who delivers the happy dénouement. The shimmering costumes and colourful sets sublimate a vivacious and delightfully entertaining work.
