During his birthday’s celebration, Prince Siegfried must choose a bride. Trying to escape reality, he dreams of a perfect love. His tutor tries to bring him down to Earth and reminds him of his duties. On a dreamlike getaway, the prince meets Odette, a princess who has been transformed into a swan by the powerful sorcerer Rothbart. Only true love can break the spell. Captivated, Siegfried promises Odette to save her and invites her to his party. To trap the prince, the sorcerer sends his daughter Odile, disguised as Odette, to seduce him.
Inspired by the choreography of Marius Petipa and set to Minkus’ spirited score, Rudolf Nureyev’s spectacular ballet is no less than a festival of dance, joyously shining the limelight on the soloists and Corps de Ballet in a wide variety of ensembles and pas de deux. Based on Cervantes’ 17th-century story, the ballet recounts the adventures of the titular dreamer and his neighbour Sancho Panza as they ride across the Spanish countryside. When they encounter two lovers - Kitri and Basilio – Don Quixote is determined to help keep them together, and after battling windmills and crossing paths with Cupid, Dulcinea and the Queen of the Dryads, it’s he who delivers the happy dénouement. The shimmering costumes and colourful sets sublimate a vivacious and delightfully entertaining work.