Bolster your seat cushions and prepare for an electrifying ride of grace, passion, and some unexpected adventures! Ballet Manila has just taken its rendition of DON QUIXOTE to Aliw Theater for performances that will both amaze and charm audiences. Don Quixote promises an incredible spectacle that will leave audiences bewildered yet thoroughly breathless!

We meet the eccentric knight-errant, Don Quixote, and his loyal sidekick, Sancho Panza. Don Quixote, driven by his delusions of grandeur, embarks on a quest for love and chivalry, mistaking windmills for menacing giants, along the way. Joined by a spirited young woman Kitri, who has her own romantic entanglements with the charming Basilio, they navigate a world of colorful encounters, mistaken identities, and gypsies galore.

As Don Quixote's adventures unfold, the line between reality and delusion becomes hilariously blurred, leaving us questioning our own perceptions and wondering if there's a little Don Quixote in all of us.

Anyone who has read or seen the classic novel DON QUIXOTE Miguel de Cervantes, or the musical MAN OF LA MANCHA will remember the story of an adrift, would-be-knight and his roly-poly counterpart, Sancho, who seek adventure in the name of chivalry. 

But in the ballet Don Quixote, it is a love story that takes center stage. Kitri, the daughter of an innkeeper, and Basilio the barber, are the main characters. The "knight with the woeful face" and his unwilling squire only play supporting roles.

Esteban Hernandez of San Francisco Ballet takes center stage as Basilio, the dashing town barber with an endearing heart and infectious charm. Hernandez captures audiences instantly with incredible gusto and charm from the moment he enters the scene; it's clear that this young dancer was born to play the role.

But it's not just his sill that makes Hernandez's portrayal of Basilio so captivating; his way of breathing life into Basilio with depth and nuance makes us see beyond the charming facade. Beneath all the playful banter and cheeky smiles is a tender vulnerability that tugs. We truly see his artistry at work in quiet moments when he gazes longingly upon Kitri or assists Don Quixote.

Pia Dames as Kitri takes us by storm in this rendition of Cervantes' classic. Her performance of Kitri comes as a surprising exploration of human experience as she effortlessly blends moments of passion, humor, and tenderness. Dames dives deeply into Kitri's complex journey to create a rendition that resonates powerfully with audiences. Every gesture and step conveys such authenticity that takes us on a transformative journey alongside her.

Dames is truly remarkable for her stamina and form as she boldly takes on the physical demands that come with the role. From stunning leaps and swift turns to gravity-defying lifts, her indefatigability leaves us in awe. But it isn't only her technical brilliance that impresses; more impressive still is the way in which she seamlessly integrates it into the narrative - using her athleticism to enhance the persona and illuminate the depths of Kitri's character with unwavering determination.

The full ballet, DON QUIXOTE, is much more than just its joyful finale. It is a ballet romantic comedy - Spanish style. There's an avalanche of passionate young lovers, rowdy townspeople, and dashing toreadors. It is a ballet rom-com known for its gorgeous flamboyance, passionate lovers, wild town folk, dashing toreadors, and mystical Gypsies. It is magical, humorous, upbeat, and such a joy to watch.

Having said that makes DON QUIXOTE a class-on-its-own as it showcases a seamless fusion of classical ballet and Spanish folk dances, particularly flamenco. This fusion creates a unique and dynamic aesthetic that sets it apart. To see this ballet on stage is like celebrating the diversity of dance as it shows ballet's adaptability and dynamic versatility.

As Ballet Manila brings back the full-length version of DON QUIXOTE on stage, this rendition serves as an inspiration that reminds us that there is magic and awe when we - once in a while - break thresholds and expand artistic boundaries.

Special thanks for Axl Guinto for the amazing photos.