A galvanizing Don Quixote

By Jade Larine, 28 July 2016

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“The company's dancing is big and generous”

Reviewed at Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London on 25 July 2016

Don Quixote (Marius Petipa)

Bolshoi Ballet

Olga Smirnova, Dancer

Denis Rodkin, Dancer

Yulia Stepanova, Dancer

National Ballet of Japan’s Raymonda is a feast of excellent dancing

Naomi Mori, 25th April

National Ballet of Japan’s Raymonda is a gem in the repertoire, despite shortcomings in the plot. Lavish production designs, stunning classical choreography and excellent dancers makes this a ballet lover's heaven.

*****

Acosta's Don Quixote for BRB: polished but not quite enough panache

Jonathan Gray, 23rd April

Carlos Acosta's Don Quixote for Birmingham Royal Ballet returned to Sadler's Wells with polished but low-key interpretations across the board.

***11

Natalia Makarova's La Bayadère: a night to remember in Oslo

Vikki Jane Vile, 17th April

Norwegian National Ballet gives a marvellous rendition of Natalia Makarova's La Bayadère. Opening night in Oslo was a strong argument for its place in any season, displaying ballet escapism at its best.

****1

José Martínez unveils his latest Don Quichotte in Palermo

Vito Lentini, 29th March

José Martínez has envisioned a Don Quichotte that recalls the original 19th century choreography while also acknowledging some of the notable 20th century versions and it's splendid looking.

****1

Dutch National Ballet's reimagined La Bayadère triumphs

Mark Vicente, 26th March

Dutch National Ballet's new production of La Bayadère does away with the ballet’s problematic gestures and movements, allowing the choreography to truly shine.

****1

American Ballet Theatre's double bill is short and sweet in New York

Ivy Lin, 15th March

American Ballet Theatre presents Balanchine's Raymonda: Grand Pas Hongrois and Ratmansky's Firebird which showcases the company well and provides a strong contrast.

****1

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Jade Larine

Jade graduated in political sciences then studied Russian civilisation. Conservatoire-trained in classical music in her early years, she also took ballet classes and still stands at the barre in Paris. A devout balletomane, she writes for French ballet medias and carries out researches on Russian ballet and politics. Her interests range from 19th-century Russian ballet to sovietic choregraphy, as well as neoclassical narrative ballets. She particularly enjoys watching ballets at the Bolshoi.

Bolshoi Ballet London tour opens with a galvanizing Don Quixote