Dance review: Don Quixote

The Royal ballet, London

Saturday 05 October 2013 23:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

What is it? Dancer Carlos Acosta turns choreographer in this production, drawing on Marius Petipa’s classic ballet version of the Cervantes novel, with music by Ludwig Minkus. He also dances the role of Basilio, while Marianela Nuñez is Kitri.

The Independent says: “Can deliver a punch, but doesn’t always follow it up. Acosta and the irresistible Nuñez have tremendous fun in the famous pas de deux – which then fizzles slightly in an overlong finale. This Don Q is a colourful evening, with welcome confidence but too much fuss.”

They say: Financial Times: “The score has been edited, re-orchestrated and, to my ears, has lost much of its savour, while the all-too-vivacious cast is called upon to shout and make merry cries to cover some of the flimsier moments in the drama … we are faced, alas, with another betrayal of this joyous old ballet.”

DanceTabs: “challenging for the Royal Ballet … hot-blooded Latin exuberance is not really their thing (except for those who actually are hot-blooded Latins, obviously) … they should perhaps admit that Don Quixote just isn’t a good fit for them.”

You say: @VampireSoup: “Alright, I admit it. Carlos won me over in the end, the old charmer #ROHDonQ”

Details: to 6 Nov; roh.org.uk

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in