MANILA, Philippines - Ballet Philippines takes a giant leap this February with a lavish and opulent production of the famous ballet classic, Don Quixote, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Derived from an episode of the novel by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, the adaptation follows an aging gentleman with delusions of being a knight-errant rescuing damsels in distress, and the adventures of young lovers Kitri and Basilio. The story culminates with the most popular dance duet in ballet history, the couple’s grand pas de deux.
Don Quixote brings together the world’s premier and award-winning artists led by Houston Ballet’s principal dancer, Connor Walsh, who will be performing alongside Ballet Philippines’ lead dancers on a limited engagement as Basilio in gala performances on Feb. 17 and 18.
Walsh was educated in some of the most renowned schools in America, including the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Harid Conservatory and Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy, where he received the prestigious Rudolf Nureyev Foundation Scholarship and the Ben Stevenson Scholarship awards. In 2004, Walsh became the recipient of the first annual gold award from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts and the Award of Encouragement at the Shanghai International Ballet Competition.
Setting the stage afire as the spirited Kitri is the dance company’s very own gem Candice Adea, silver medalist in the 2010 International Ballet Competition. Alternating with Walsh is 2010 International Ballet Competition semi-finalist and principal dancer Jean Marc Cordero, while Katherine Trofeo and Carissa Adea alternate as Kitri.
Ai-Gul Gasina from the Australian Ballet coaches the dancers in this reinterpretation of the epic masterpiece. Trained at the Vaganova Choreographic Institute in Leningrad, Gasina has danced the roles of Ronald Petit’s Carmen, Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Kitri in Nureyev’s Don Quixote, Michelle in Gillian Lynne’s Fool on the Hill, and Valencianne in Helpmann’s Merry Widow. She has, by invitation, taught at The Royal Danish Ballet, the Houston Ballet, and the Hong Kong Ballet.
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of conductor maestro Olivier Ochanine, brings the musical score of Leon Minkus to life. The production is a restaging by Ballet Philippines choreographer Noordin Jumalon using the versions of Marius Petipa and William Morgan.
Performances are scheduled for Feb. 17 at 8 p.m., Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Feb. 19 at 3 p.m., and 8 p.m., and Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo).
Ticket prices on Feb. 17 and 18 gala performances are from P1,000 to P5,000. Regular prices for matinees are from P200 to P800 and evening shows from P400 to P2,000. Tickets may be purchased through the CCP Box Office at 832-3704; and TicketWorld, 891-9999. For inquiries, call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003, 832-6011 or visit www.balletphilippines.org.