Set in the very heart of Moscow, on the historic grounds of the Kremlin, the stage of the State Kremlin Palace is home to the renowned Kremlin Ballet Theatre. Its dancers, many of whom have performed on the stage of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre and trained at the same prestigious academies, bring brilliance and vitality to every performance.
The vibrant ballet Don Quixote, inspired by the novel of Miguel de Cervantes, bursts onto the stage with fiery energy and sparkling virtuosity. Filled with dazzling jumps, rapid turns and joyful ensemble scenes, the story of Kitri and Basilio unfolds in a whirlwind of humor, romance and Spanish flair. A true celebration of classical ballet at its most lively and exuberant.
Libretto by Marius Petipa, edited by Vladimir Vasiliev
Choreography by Alexander Gorsky
Choreographer–Director: People’s Artist of the USSR, laureate of the State Prizes of the USSR and Russia, Vladimir Vasiliev
Production Designers: Honored Art Workers of the Russian Federation Viktor Volsky and Rafail Volsky
First staged by Marius Petipa in 1869, this ballet was given a vibrant new life in the reinterpretation by Alexander Gorsky. It is precisely this version — dramatically structured, choreographically virtuosic, and brimming with the joy of life — that became the foundation for countless later productions, and continues to grace the repertoires of the world’s most renowned ballet companies.
Don Quixote remains one of the most beloved classical ballets: fiery, colorful, and full of темперамент. A whirlwind of passionate dance, the rhythmic click of castanets, breathtaking leaps, and dazzling fouettés define this unforgettable masterpiece.
The сюжет draws inspiration from the immortal novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, bringing its spirit to life through the expressive language of classical ballet.
The premiere of this production on the stage of the State Kremlin Palace took place on June 3, 1994.
ACT ONE
Scene One
A festive bustle fills the square of a small Spanish town. Kitri flirts playfully with Basilio, hoping her father, the innkeeper Lorenzo, will consent to their marriage. But Lorenzo has other plans — he intends to marry his daughter off to the wealthy yet foolish nobleman Gamache, the laughingstock of the town. Kitri refuses to obey her father’s will.
A street dancer, Mercedes, appears вместе with the toreadors led by the handsome Espada. The dancing begins. At the height of the celebration, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza ride into the square. The townsfolk tease the clumsy squire, while Don Quixote recognizes in Kitri the “lady of his heart.” But Kitri and Basilio seize the moment to escape.
Lorenzo, Gamache, and, soon after, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza set off in pursuit of the fugitives.
Scene Two
Night falls. Yet Kitri and Basilio cannot sleep — they dream aloud of their future, unwilling to part even for a moment. Their solitude is broken by a group of gypsies, joined by Mercedes and Espada, who warn them that they are being hunted.
Soon Lorenzo arrives, furious, accompanied by his companions. To distract the pursuers, the gypsies stage a performance. Don Quixote, believing the play to be real, rushes to defend the oppressed characters. As the frightened “puppets” drop their masks, the audience recognizes Kitri, Basilio, Mercedes, and Espada — and once again, they must flee.
A sudden wind rises, setting the blades of a windmill in motion. To the knight, they appear as evil giants. Determined to defeat them and rescue the beautiful Dulcinea, Don Quixote charges forward — but becomes entangled in a blade and is thrown to the ground.
Scene Three
Exhausted and wounded, Don Quixote falls into a dream. Before him appears the radiant Dulcinea, surrounded by cupids, dancing in ethereal beauty.
His spirit is renewed — he once again believes in the triumph of good over evil and in the fulfillment of his noble quest. Strengthened, he sets off toward those in need of his help.
ACT TWO
Scene Four
A small tavern. Here the fugitives have found temporary refuge — but their respite is brief. Their pursuers are already close.
Gamache demands that Lorenzo give his consent to marry Kitri. The father agrees, but Basilio, overcome with feigned despair, stages a dramatic suicide.
In tears, Kitri begs Don Quixote to restore justice. The noble knight compels Lorenzo to bless the union of Kitri and Basilio. Revived, the cunning barber and the spirited Kitri invite everyone to celebrate their wedding.
Scene Five
The entire town gathers for the wedding festivities. Even the unfortunate Gamache is consoled. Seeing his daughter’s happiness, Lorenzo reconciles himself to her choice.
And for the wandering knight Don Quixote and his faithful squire, new adventures already lie ahead.