One of the classical warhorses in Ballet Manila’s repertoire, Don Quixote unsurprisingly is part of the company’s comeback season as it welcomes audiences to the theater once more after the long pandemic lockdowns.

The ballet classic has been on BM’s menu since it was established in 1995, in the beginning through variations, and eventually as a full-length production in 1999. Don Quixote holds a special place in the heart of artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde who considers Kitri as her signature role.

This time around, principal dancer Jasmine Pia Dames will be performing the lead in her second full-length Don Quixote as Kitri. Her Basilio is the principal dancer of San Francisco Ballet, Esteban Hernandez, who will be dancing his first full-length of the piece.

Performances are on May 27 and 28 at the Aliw Theater. While waiting for the curtains to rise, here’s a sneak peek into the rehearsals. The hard work that the dancers have poured into the production is evident but the joy in dancing this classic is impossible to miss.