Carlos Acosta's Don Quixote thrills at the National Ballet of Canada

Genevieve Penn Nabity as Kitri in Carlos Acosta's Don Quixote

Genevieve Penn Nabity as Kitri and Harrison James as Basilio in Carlos Acosta's Don Quixote

Christopher Gerty as Espada in Carlos Acosta's Don Quixote

Harrison James as Basilio in Carlos Acosta's Don Quixote

Artists of the National Ballet of Canada in Carlos Acosta's Don Quixote

By Gianmarco Segato, 02 June 2024

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“a work whose main purpose is to entertain and showcase a company fully up to its virtuosic demands”

Reviewed at Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto on 1 June 2024

Don Quixote (Marius Petipa, Carlos Acosta)

National Ballet of Canada

David Briskin, Conductor

Tim Hatley, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Peter Mumford, Lighting Designer

The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra

Genevieve Penn Nabity, Dancer

Harrison James, Dancer

Christopher Gerty, Dancer

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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

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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.

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

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

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Gianmarco Segato

Arts writer, administrator and singer Gianmarco Segato is Assistant Editor for La Scena Musicale. He was Associate Artist Manager for opera at Dean Artists Management and, from 2017-2022, Editorial Director of Opera Canada magazine. Previous to that he was Adult Programs Manager with the Canadian Opera Company. Gianmarco is an intrepid classical music traveler with a special love of Prague and Budapest as well as an avid cyclist and cook.

An unabashed celebration of dance, Carlos Acosta's Don Quixote thrills at the National Ballet of Canada