The Beginning of Collaboration on the Ballet Production "Don Quixote" with Renowned Ballet Artist José Martinez
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21 January 2025
The National Theatre in Belgrade recently hosted the famous ballet artist José Martinez, the current director of the Paris Opera Ballet, who will stage the ballet “Don Quixote” by Ludwig Minkus on our stage, one of the iconic works of classical ballet based on Miguel de Cervantes’ eponymous novel.
José Martinez met the Ballet Ensemble of the National Theatre in Belgrade and announced that his staging of this ballet, full of comedic and romantic elements woven into dynamic and emotionally rich music, will draw upon the traditional choreographic expression inspired by the versions of Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky.
“At the same time, I want to bring my vision to this story. Furthermore, my intention is also to emphasize the significance and role of Don Quixote, after whom the ballet is named, allowing him to fulfil his desire to meet Dulcinea. It is not just a dream but becomes a reality where two parallel love stories unfold - between Don Quixote and Dulcinea, as well as Kitri and Basilio. All the variations are there, as well as the coda; I have added a new pas de deux at the beginning of the second act, which hasn’t existed before. We’ve excluded the tavern scene to maintain the action and dynamics that keep the audience engaged until the end of the show,” Martinez said, an artist with an impressive career as both a dancer and choreographer.
Martinez was born in 1969 in the Spanish town of Cartagena. He trained at the Rosella Hightower Ballet School in Cannes and the Paris Opera Ballet School, which he joined immediately after completing his education. By 1988, he had become a principal dancer with the Paris Opera Ballet where he was cast in all the major roles in the ballet repertoire. He won numerous prestigious awards, including the “Prix Benois de la Danse”, “Prix de Lausanne”, and “Premio Nacional de Danza”. The renowned Japanese dance magazine “Shinshokan” named him one of the best ballet dancers of today. Before becoming the director of the Paris Opera Ballet, he also served as the artistic director of the Spanish National Dance Company.
A unique artistic touch to this production will be provided by the new set and costumes designed by Iñaki Cobos Guerrero.
José Martinez’s assistant in staging the production will be Ana Elena Martín Eja.
The premiere is scheduled for May 2025 on the Main Stage, with the participation of the entire Ballet Ensemble and Orchestra of the National Theatre in Belgrade.
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