Don Quixote is based on sections of the classic novel, The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha, by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. It is a tale of love and loyalty. This ballet was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to the music of Ludwig Minkus, and is a ballet in four acts and eight scenes. Don Quixote himself is a non-dancing character role, but Driven by the vision of Dulcinea, he begins his adventure with his trusty squire Sancho Panza. Later in Act III Scene I, the village celebrates the marriage of Kitri, daughter of Lorenzo, an innkeeper, and Basilio, a penniless barber. Don Quixote congratulates the couple, bids them farewell and resumes to his endless adventures.

The Bridesmaid Variation 1 is only one of the many variations in the ballet Don Quixote. This variation shows the joy and happiness the bridesmaid has for the new couple and is full of jumps. In addition to the many jumps throughout it, it is very technical, and all its transitions, if done well, will make the variation very graceful and joyous to watch. This piece is hard because it has to be danced effortlessly and the smile has to remain to keep the character. Some corrections to remember when dancing this variation includes smiling the whole time, as always, and turnout before every jump (actually, turnout for all parts of the variation). In addition, use a good plie for every single element to either get balance, momentum, height, etc. Showing the character is also an important factor in all variations, not only in this one. Overall, this variation, and character, is enjoyable to portray and perform.


Publish Date: 04/07/2020