Prepare to be captivated by the timeless tale of adventure and romance as Ballet Manila restages the beloved classical ballet, “Don Quixote.” With their unwavering commitment to excellence in classical ballet, the dance company will showcase their remarkable talent on May 27, 2023, at 8 PM and May 28, 2023, at 5 PM at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.
Reflecting on the challenges Ballet Manila has overcome in recent years, Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde draws a parallel between their resilience and the unwavering passion of Don Quixote himself. “I am filled with excitement to once again highlight our expertise in classical ballet as we bring back ‘Don Quixote’ this year,” she expressed.
Portraying the Hispanic spirit of Don Quixote’s epic tale is Esteban Hernandez, a rising star of San Francisco Ballet and a renowned danseur. Hernandez, known for his exceptional artistry, will mesmerize audiences with his performance as Basilio, the love interest of Kitri. Having garnered international recognition, including the Latino Spirit Award and multiple gold medals at the Youth America Grand Prix, Hernandez is hailed as one of the most influential figures in the world of ballet.
In the iconic role of Kitri, Ballet Manila’s principal dancer, Jasmine Pia Dames, will grace the stage. Dames, a Gawad Buhay awardee, brings her exquisite talent and passion to breathe life into the character. Interestingly, her twin sister, Jessica Pearl, portrayed the same role in the modern iteration of “Don Quixote” directed by Martin Lawrance earlier in the 25th season.
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde sees this performance as an opportunity to showcase the depth of talent within Ballet Manila. “As a mentor and director, it brings me great joy to see Ballet Manila’s future Kitris embody the grace, strength, and passion that this role demands,” she remarked.
“Don Quixote” is part of Ballet Manila’s 25th season, which commenced with Martin Lawrance’s contemporary take on Romeo and Juliet in February, highlighting the rich Filipino culture. To secure your tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 8891 9999.
For more information about Ballet Manila and their upcoming shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph, and prepare to be swept away by the enchanting world of “Don Quixote.”
