This March, Charlottesville Ballet presents Act III of Don Quixote! The ballet is a little different from what you might remember from your high school English class! In Act I & II, we meet our main characters: Kitri, Basilio, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Kitri and Basilio are sweethearts, but Kitri’s father wishes her to marry for wealth instead of love. By Act III, the lovers are finally united thanks to the help of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. We’ve created a little cheat sheet for you below so you know who’s who!
ACT III: The Wedding
There is much merrymaking as the village celebrates the marriage of Kitri and Basilio. The happy lovers and their friends dance to celebrate the union.
Kitri – The playful and spirited heroine is always at the center of attention. Whether it is her fancy footwork and fan tricks, or her stunning beauty, all the men in town clamor for her attention. In Act III, Kitri finally marries Basilio, her longtime love, choosing him over the wealthy nobleman Gamache and the chivalrous Don Quixote.
Be sure to look for her famous “32 fouettes” (the signature step of any ballerina) at the end of the ballet!
Basilio – The town barber, he’s rich with charm, but not with money. Basilio captures Kitri’s heart with his dashing ways and witty personality. Though not her father’s first pick, Basilio’s love for beautiful Kitri is deep and true. He’s not bad on the Spanish guitar, either. Look out for his high-flying leaps and turns!
