Passing the Torch: Gelsey Kirkland Ballet to present “Don Quixote”
This weekend, Gelsey Kirkland Ballet Company will present “Don Quixote,” the ballet based on the famous novel by Miguel de Cervantes. Don Quixote is the visionary knight who, “chases windmills and sees beauty where others only see squalor. On his chivalrous quest for love, he finds the lady of his dreams when he happens upon Kitri, the spirited daughter of the town’s innkeeper. But the peasant girl is at first too busy sparring with Basilio the barber to take any notice of the errant knight’s declarations of courtly love. As romantic misadventures ensue, dusty Spanish streets and festive visions of toreadors and gypsies provide the backdrop for this enchanting farcical balletic romp.”
Ms. Kirkland, herself, performed the role of “Kitri” in a 1978 staging of the famous ballet, originally staged by Marius Petipa. In the following teaser trailer released by the Gelsey Kirkland ballet, watch as footage of Ms. Kirkland is juxtaposed to original footage of Kirkland’s young dance company. The company’s mission is to “foster a rebirth of dramatic storytelling in ballet through programs that provide specialized training for gifted students from around the world.” You cantell from watching the young and energetic dancers that GKA accomplishes just that.
Gelsey Kirkland Ballet presents “Don Quixote”; Thursday and Friday, May 14th and 15th at 7:30pm and Saturday, May 16th at 2:00pm and 7:30pm;Ticket Prices $59 | $49 | $39; Schimmel Center at Pace University; 3 Spruce St, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-1715 ; https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/938468
