Peninsula Ballet Theatre Will Perform DON QUIXOTE and Three World Premiere Ballets
Performances are Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m.
By: Stephi Wild Mar. 20, 2025
Peninsula Ballet Theatre has announced its upcoming spring repertory program, showcasing a blend of classical elegance and contemporary innovation. This season's performance highlights include a reimagined one-act version of the legendary classical ballet Don Quixote, featuring dazzling choreography by Artistic Director Gregory Amato and Ballet Mistress Nina Amato after Marius Petipa, set to Ludwig Minkus' iconic score. The not-to-be-missed production will take place at the Woodside Performing Arts Center, 199 Churchill Avenue, with two performances scheduled: Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m.
In addition to this new Don Quixote, the spring program will introduce three highly anticipated world premieres, each offering a unique and dynamic voice in the world of contemporary dance. Slant of the Earth, created by the internationally acclaimed London-based choreographer Marika Brussel, will be set to music by award-winning San Francisco ballet and chamber Music Composer Shinji Eshima, and Canadian composer Peter-Antony Togni. The program will also include 'Tis But A Jest!, a whimsical new work by rising Bay Area choreographer Naomi Sailors, accompanied by the music of renowned French ballet composer Léo Delibes. Rounding out the presentation is In This Light, an evocative creation by Gregory Amato, set to the soul-stirring compositions of Italian film composer, Ezio Bosso.
Artistic Director Gregory Amato said, “This spring's repertory program promises to be a captivating celebration of both timeless ballet tradition and groundbreaking contemporary artistry. The company's inventive adaptation of the popular Cervantes Don Quixote story is filled with passion, humor, romance and adventure distinguished by fiery solos and Kitri and Basilio's immortal Wedding Pas de Deux, one of the most iconic dances in classical ballet.”
Amato added, “A hallmark of our programming at PBT has always been to showcase highly talented contemporary choreographers, and in this case two strong female dance makers—Marika Brussel and Naomi Sailors—who have created brand new works pushing the boundaries of dance with grace, style and humor. The program will include a new work that I have created inspired by the extraordinary music of Italian film composer Ezio Bosso, and is a reflection on personal transformation, both physical and spiritual. I can't wait to share this spring dance showcase with Bay Area audiences.”
Later in the season, the PBT's Peninsula School for the Arts will offer its annual Spring Showcase scheduled for Sunday, June 8 matinee at San Mateo's Hillsdale Theatre. More than 230 student dancers—ranging in age from 3 to early 80s—along with Peninsula Ballet Theatre dancers, will perform an array of new works in addition to excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty.
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