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LIST: 5 reasons to watch Ballet Philippines' ‘Don Quixote’ | Philstar.com
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LIST: 5 reasons to watch Ballet Philippines' ‘Don Quixote’

Philstar.com
LIST: 5 reasons to watch Ballet Philippines' �Don Quixote�

Scene from 'Don Quixote' from Cultural Center of the Philippines' website.

MANILA, Philippines — Throughout Ballet Philippines' history, the classic ballet "Don Quixote" has been produced and performed 14 times.

The first time the Filipino audience came to experience it was when the ballet company performed the Grand Pas de Deux, the famous centerpiece of the ballet, in 1973, with ballet master Nonoy Froilan as the first Basilio and dancer Muneca Aponte as Kitri.

The first full-length production of “Don Quixote” happened in 1981, with guests dancers from American Ballet Theatre, Martine van Hammel and Adam Sage (who returned as associate artistic director of the company last year), taking the lead roles, alternating with dancers Ester Rimpos and Nonoy Froilan. The 1981 production showcased choreography by Luminita Dumitrescu, based from the original version by choreographer Marius Petipa. 

Ballet Philippines last performed the classic ballet seven years ago, with a re-staging by Noordin Jumalon using the versions of Petipa and William Morgan. It featured Houston Ballet principal dancer Connor Walsh as Basilio and former BP dancer Candice Adea as Kitri. Alternating with them were 2010 International Ballet Competition semi-finalist and principal dancer Jean Marc Cordero, and dancers Katherine Trofeo and Carissa Adea as Kitri.

For the 2010 production, the ballet company tapped Australian Ballet's Ai-Gul Gasina to coach the dancers in executing the stylized choreograpy for the reinterpretation of the ballet masterpiece. It was also probably the first time that a Philippine ballet company "cast" a live horse for its production.   

This year, Ballet Philippines brings back the classic ballet to close its 48th ballet season, dubbed "Quinttessence," which will run from February 9 to 18, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Main Theater. 

During the press preview held at the CCP, associate artistic director Adam Sage, who is the “regisseur” (re-stager) of the ballet, explained that “Don Quixote” is the perfect show for those watching ballet for the first time.

 

Here are the reasons why one should watch “Don Quixote”:    
 

1. You do not need to concentrate much to understand the story.

Based on an episode of the “Miguel de Cervantes” tale, the ballet follows the lofty adventures of Don Quixote, a crazy, old knight who strongly believes in chivalry, in Barcelona. In one of his adventures, he meets Kitri, an innkeeper's daughter who he thinks is his ladylove Dulcinea. Kitri, however, is enamored with the poor local barber named Basilio. Nonetheless, her father does not approve and wants her daughter to marry the wealthiest man in their village. Mayhem ensues when the gentleman from La Manchaz unwittingly helps the two lovers have their happy ending. 


2. It features amazing choreography.

Expect the signature leaps, dizzying turns and death-defying lifts, which the ballet dancers will effortlessly and fluidly perform. Do not miss the Grand Pas de Deux, the finale scene.

 

3. It showcases world-class performances from guest artists.

International ballet dancer Joseph Gatti will perform Basilio on the special gala nights on February 9, 8 p.m., and on February 10, at 7 p.m. A former principal dancer of the Cincinnati Ballet and Corella Ballet, Gatti has been invited to perform in international galas in the USA, South America, Japan, Europe and Russia. 

Reprising the role of Kitri is ballet dancer Candice Adea, who returns to BP as resident guest artist. After working with BP for years as principal dancer, Adea left the company and joined the Hong Kong Ballet as a soloist in 2012, and the BalletMet as a company member for its 2015-2016 season. She is the first Filipina to win first prize at the 7th Helsinki International Ballet Competition. She also won silver medal in the 2010 International Ballet Competition, bronze medal at the Seoul International Dance Competition 2011, and the Maris Liepa Award for Outstanding Artistry at the Boston International Ballet Competition 2011.

Completing the cast are Jojo Mamangun as Don Quixote, Ronelson Yadao as Espada, Denise Parungao and Katrene San Miguel as Mercedes, Jemima Reyes and Monica Gana  who alternate as Kitri, and Victor Maguad and Ian Ocampo alternating as Basilio.

 

4. You can enjoy live music by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Jeffrey Solares.

They will play music by composer Ludwig Minkus.

 

5. It is a good way to experience Spanish culture.

“Don Quixote” has a very exotic setting, replete with rich Spanish culture. Some movements have a touch of Spanish dancing.

The audience can even level up their “Don Quixote” experience with the pre-show wine and “pintxos” (pinchos) bar on select evening performances: February, 7, 9, 17 and 18. For the Friday show, the bar will open from 6:30 to 8p.m., while for the Saturday performances, the bar hours is from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

 

WATCH: Ballet Philippines' 'Don Quixote' excerpt

YouTube/Ballet Philippines

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