‘Don Quixote' an example of style and grace

Grace, beauty and strength will be on display tonight as a highly regarded ballet company performs what is known as one of ballet's greatest works.

The Moscow Festival Ballet will perform the classic "Don Quixote" at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Bedell Performance Hall at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus.

"This is a top-notch group of performers we have coming in here. I fully encourage everyone to come," said Bob Cerchio, assistant director at the River Campus. "This will be one of the best experiences of the year for theater and dance audiences in our area. You don't see this level of performer very often anywhere you go. It's wonderful to have them."

"Don Quixote" was originally choreographed in 1869 by famed French choreographer Marius Petipa in Russia, his adopted homeland, to the music of composer Ludwig Minkus. It is based on the 17th-century literary masterpiece, and known to embody many of the prime tenets of classical ballet. Petipa is also known for his work on "Sleeping Beauty," "Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake."

"This is the kind of dance you only get from the big four of Petipa. You experience ballet history straight from the source," said Southeast Department of Theatre and Dance professor Marc Strauss. "We're talking virtuosity for its own sake with lots of technique on display. Then you have the full-length storylines, lovely and elaborate costumes and sets, and beautifully symmetrical patterns, as well."

A scene from “Don Quixote.” (Submitted photo)

The ballet, like the novel, has its share of light humor. It is set in Barcelona in the 1600s, and the storyline revolves around lovers Kitri and Basilio, the local barber. Don Quixote is obsessed with stories of medieval chivalry and dreams of being a knight protecting old-fashioned ideals, fighting for good. He sets off on a search for Dulcinea, the beautiful lady of his dreams. This quest takes the audience from a colorful marketplace in Barcelona where Kitri and Basilio dance to the merriment of the local crowd, to a gypsy camp and a busy tavern.

"The story and dance together is really something to see," Strauss said. "Full-length ballet performances aren't an everyday occurrence, so I know my wife and I will be there for sure."

The Moscow Festival Ballet was founded in 1989 with the purpose of bringing together the highest classical elements of dance within the framework of Russian classic ballet. The River Campus performance is just one stop on the company's latest four-month tour across the country. Since its inception, the Moscow Festival Ballet has completed tours across the world, including recent tours of Europe and Asia.

The Moscow Festival Ballet has also performed "Sleeping Beauty" at the River Campus in 2010.

"We're so happy to have them back here. When we were deciding on events for this season, this was just a no-brainer," Cerchio said. "It is an outstanding company, one which normally tours only to major cities, and I hope the people of the region will take advantage. Bedell is a great venue for them, too, because the stage allows the entire audience to have the full show experience from them."

Tickets are $40 and may be purchased by contacting the River Campus box office by calling 651-2265, or online at RiverCampusEvents.com.

jsamons@semissourian.com

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