DANCE

Presented by Music Worcester and performed by the critically acclaimed Israel Ballet. Today Don Quixote is considered one of the most joyous and festive of the classical ballets, brimming with spectacular virtuoso dancing. At the same time this abundance of dancing is well organised, showing a clear choreographic and dramatic vision. A short prologue based on mime action is followed by an act called A Square in Barcelona, in which classical choreography imitating the "Spanish Style" is predominant, with a sprinkling of character dances. The second act, The Gypsy Camp, comes as a sharp contrast- here pantomime and characters dancing reign supreme (although some 15 years ago this scene also contained a lyrical pas de deux for the two main characters). The next act, Dulcinea's Garden, is a purely classical one in which only female dancers appear. This is followed by A Tavern in Seville; once again, there is plenty of character dancing and acting- and traditionally, even the ballerina wears heeled shoes in the scene. The final wedding celebration is an extended classical grand pas with the now famous pas de deux of the main characters. The characters of the ballet do much more than just perform their numerous variations, however; they express their thoughts and emotions through dancing, and each character has his or her own idiosyncrasies which are expressed in the choreography itself. Don Quixote is also distinguished by what can be called its democratic spirit: the only "noble cavalier" in the ballet is Gamache, and he is the butt of everyone's jokes and tricks. Don Quixote himself is treated with an increasing irony, friendly though it may be. By contrast, Kitri and Basilio are heroes of the people; they belong to the crowd and the crowd interferes in their lives without any second thoughts. To buy tickets before January 4, 2010, please contact Music Worcester at 508.754.3231.