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Don Quixote received a needed facelift in a new lavish staging seven years ago by Alexei Fadeyechev, the former Bolshoi premier dancer. Presented by the Bolshoi Ballet at the Kennedy Center Opera House, this revitalized Don Quixote is grandly impressive. The new production literally overwhelms with its exceptional dancing by the entire cast, opulent costumes and magnificent decorations, demonstrating the best traditions of Russian classical ballet in all its glory.

Undoubtedly Don Quixote is one of the most humorous and entertaining classical ballets of all time. Although the old knight and his faithful sword-bearer, Sancho Panza, are almost always present on stage, the story focuses on two young lovers - the innkeeper’s daughter, Kitri, and her admirer, Basil, the impoverished barber. In a series of comical events, Kitri and Basil outsmart her father and less fortunate suitor, the rich nobleman Gamache. At the end, Kitri and Basil marry and live happily ever after.

In the opening matinee performance, Ivan Vasiliev, an 18-year-old graduate of the State Choreographic College of Belarus, was truly phenomenal in his debut as Basil. His powerful aerial displays kept the audience spellbound throughout the performance. As if defying gravity, he appears to effortlessly rocket up in the air with exuberant abandon. He remains suspended in midair for a time, then lands with amazing dexterity. He leaps across the stage with great speed and spins like a top. Vasiliev possesses a unique blend of powerful physique, excellent athletic skills, immaculate virtuoso technique and a lively personality – a winning combination indeed!

His Kitri was the irresistible Natalia Osipova. The 21-year-old ballerina has been with the company since 2003. She was quickly promoted through the corps de ballet to the rank of soloist. Clearly Osipova is among the biggest hopes of the Bolshoi. She is a very expressive and graceful dancer with remarkable technique and acting skills. She was equally fantastic as the flirtatious and exuberant Kitri and as the elegant and poised Dulcinea. The ballerina has no fear or timidity: She flies into the arms of her partner with the speed of an arrow. Her multiple fouettes and soaring jetes are performed to perfection – pristinely and with astonishing rapidity. At the same time, Osipova dances with innate charm and eloquence.

 

The third-act Grand Pas de Deux is the climax of the ballet and a showpiece of its own. Vasiliev and Osipova breezed seamlessly through the most challenging, accelerated choreography with youthful excitement and élan. (The couple has been performing together less then a year, yet their partnering was amazingly polished and confident.)

Don Quixote is also famous for an array of colorful characters. Alexey Loparevich played the title role with convincing drama and dignity. Alexander Petukhov as his loyal companion, Panza, was excellent in bringing out the mischievous and caring sides of his character. Dressed in a gorgeous flowing red gown, Irina Zibrova as Mercedes enthralled her toreador and the crowd with sensuous, alluring dancing. The exotic Gypsy dancer (Yuliana Malkhasyants) created a memorable spectacle with her equally passionate and glamorous solo. Anastasia Stashkevish was suitably lovely and delightful as Cupid. Ekaterina Shipulina danced luminously as the enchanting Mistress of the Dryads.

The artistic director of the Bolshoi, Alexei Ratmansky, is revitalizing the company in all ways, not only diversifying its repertoire but also sourcing young, talented dancers and giving them center stage regardless of their ranking. His strategy is definitely working. Under its contemporary leadership, the Bolshoi Ballet has acquired an exciting, innovative spirit as evident in the superb Don Quixote.