​

As summer approaches, there is no better way to conclude Novarts Ballet's inaugural season than with the sun-drenched energy and Mediterranean charm of Don Quixote.
On June 14, 2027, this beloved classic comes to Viimsi Artium, bringing a full-length ballet to the waterfront town of Viimsi for the very first time.
Located just twenty minutes from Tallinn, Viimsi's beaches, sea views and classy summer atmosphere provide the perfect setting for what feels like Novarts Ballet's own summer retreat.

Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' literary masterpiece, Don Quixote is presented in a new version choreographed by Cristiano Principato and produced by Novarts Ballet.

The cast, to be announced, will feature prominent soloists in the roles of Kitri, Basilio and Don Quixote, with additional guest artists in other roles, also to be defined in the coming months.
The remainder of the production will be performed by the dancers of Novarts Ballet Studio Company, continuing Novarts Ballet's tradition of bringing together internationally acclaimed guests with the next generation of professional dancers.

Widely regarded as one of the most joyful and technically demanding works in the classical ballet repertoire, Don Quixote is presented in a refreshed adaptation that preserves all of the ballet's most celebrated dances, virtuoso variations, grand pas de deux and ensemble scenes while offering a more minimalistic and accessible dramatic structure.

Still rooted in Marius Petipa's original classical choreography, Principato's adaptation lightly reworks the staging to accommodate the streamlined storyline and smaller cast.
Rather than the traditional three-act version, the ballet will be condensed into two acts by simplifying much of the original pantomime and removing several secondary characters, including Sancho Panza, Kitri's father Lorenzo and Gamache.

This places Don Quixote much more at the centre of the story, making him and Basilio the only contenders for Kitri's hand.
The result is a faster-paced production that places greater emphasis on the dancing, while still preserving the humor that audiences know and love.

Another distinctive feature of this adaptation is the introduction of Dulcinea as an independent character throughout the ballet.
Traditionally portrayed by the same ballerina dancing Kitri during the Dream Scene, Dulcinea here becomes a separate role, appearing from the Prologue onwards as the vision that inspires Don Quixote's epic journey.
Set in the vibrant city of Barcelona, the story follows the eccentric knight Don Quixote as his search for his ideal lady unexpectedly intertwines with the romance of the innkeeper Kitri and the barber Basilio: mistaking Kitri for his beloved Dulcinea, Don Quixote becomes an unlikely rival in the young lovers' story, leading to a colourful adventure through lively village celebrations, the Spanish countryside and a vibrant gypsy camp, the enchanted Kingdom of the Dryads in the forest, a tavern, and, finally, a joyful wedding celebration.
Colourful Mediterranean-inspired visuals, spirited Latin costumes, windmills, fans, capes and castanetes create a production overflowing with sunshine, humour, romance and thrilling dancing.

​​​

​​

​​​