"If I ever have a chance to see this company again, I will definitely take it. For enthusiasts of traditional classical ballets, this show was a dream come true."

Stage Review

Show: Don Quixote

Company: National Ballet of Cuba

Choreographer: Alicia Alonso

Composer: Ludwig Minkus

Principal Dancers: Sadaise Arencibia, Anette Delgado, Dani Hernandez, Yanela Pinera, Viengsay Valdes, Ernesto Diaz, Jessie Dominguez, Osiel Gounod, Camilo Ramos, Amaya Rodriguez, Felix Rodriguez, Javier Sanchez

Music performed by: Vancouver Opera Orchestra

Venue: Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Run: Feb 16-18 2012

Reviewed by: Tessa Perkins

Performing their signature comic ballet, Don Quixote, this stunning company received three standing ovations and had the crowd gasping in awe of their talent. I have never seen anything quite like this, and I am so glad that David Y.H. Lui had the dream to bring this company to Vancouver and that his friend and business partner Brent Belsher continued to make it a reality after his untimely passing. The show is dedicated to Lui’s memory, and I’m sure he would have been so pleased with the performance.

The story of Don Quixote follows Kitri, a young girl who is in love with the poor barber, Basilio. Kitri’s father, Lorenzo, does not approve of her marrying Basilio and he tries to set her up with Camacho, a rich French nobleman. Kitri and Basilio run away and along the way they meet gypsies, villagers, and of course Don Quixote, the errant knight, and his funny sidekick Sancho Panza. It is a typical romantic comedy story, and the dancers did a wonderful job of bringing to life the playful humour of the ballet.

I loved the scenes with all the villagers clapping and snapping their fingers to the rousing music as they danced around in celebration. The sets were very detailed, including a large wodden horse on wheels that Don Quixote rides on, and a windmill that he tries to attack with his lance. Don Quixote is knocked unconscious and dreams that Kitri is Dulcinea, his lost love. This scene is ethereal as the angelic dancers in sparkling tutus glide around the stage and Dulcinea performs a stunning solo.

In act three, the forced marriage is set to take place until Basilio crashes the party and pretends to commit suicide. This was quite a funny scene as Kitri kneels beside him and he comes back to life to give her a quick kiss. Kitri and Basilio are eventually united and they celebrate with all the guests, including Mercedes and Espana, a fiery duo who perform a spectacular pas de deux. Kitri and Basilio’s dramatic pas de deux has the audience on the edge of their seats, and each of their solos received a standing ovation.

I could not believe how long Kitri (Viengsay Valdes) was able to balance in arabesque and then bring her leg into retiree as if it was nothing. She did a few long balances in various positions, and then finished off with a round of exquisite double fouetté turns. I was so amazed by her incredible talent, and her partner, Osiel Gounod, showed off his formidable jumps and unbelievable pirouettes that seemed like he could go on forever.     

The talent of The National Ballet of Cuba, along with their intricate costumes and traditional staging was overwhelming in its beauty. If I ever have a chance to see this company again, I will definitely take it. For enthusiasts of traditional classical ballets, this show was a dream come true.

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