A festive, spirited Don Quixote opens San Francisco Ballet’s season

By Terez Rose, 27 January 2019

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“a winning production with surprising warmth and heart”

Reviewed at War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco on 25 January 2019

Don Quixote (Marius Petipa, Helgi Tomasson, Alexander Gorsky)

San Francisco Ballet

Mathilde Froustey, Dancer

Angelo Greco, 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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Terez Rose

Terez Rose is a writer and former dancer whose work has appeared in numerous journals, anthologies and online publications. She is the author (as Terez Mertes Rose) of the Ballet Theatre Chronicles (Off Balance, Outside the Limelight, Ballet Orphans, Other Stages) and A Dancer’s Guide to Africa. Visit her at The Classical Girl where she blogs about classical music and the performing arts.

A festive, spirited Don Quixote opens San Francisco Ballet’s 86th season