The Rising Star Dance Studio will mark its 30th anniversary with a full-length ballet performance of Don Quixote, at M Theatre, New Phetchaburi Road, on June 7 at 3pm.
Don Quixote was first performed as a ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow in 1869. It is based on segments from the novel by Miguel de Cervantes published in 1605. The well-known and highly energetic original choreography was by Marius Petipa to the score by Ludwig Minkus.
Performances by Rising Star have become an eagerly anticipated mainstay of the Bangkok arts scene. As director of the Studio, Fay Pansringarm brings many years of experience as a ballet dancer, director and choreographer in New York City to her work in Thailand, combining the charm of younger dancers with the powerful performances of professionals.
Associate director Yuko Nakamura, who trained and performed with the San Francisco Ballet Company, imparts her exquisite artistry as she mentors the lead dancers.
The production will feature Akira Puthisarnchai, Yuko's daughter, as Kitri. She returned to Bangkok from the US, where she performed with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the New Ballet in San Jose, California. She is partnered with Chanakarn "Toy" Panpijit, Thailand's foremost male ballet dancer, in the role of Basil, Kitri's poor but beloved boyfriend.
Watcharapong Kaewploy, a professor at Rajabhat Suan Sunandha University who danced in Italy's Teatro Oplas, appears as Gamash; Theethat Chongprasert appears as Don Quixote; while Jittiporn Meethong dances the role of Sancho Panchez.
The supporting cast numbers over 50 amateurs and professionals, ages five to adult, from over 15 nationalities, currently studying at the studio. The performance has two acts, lasting approximately 100 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission.
For tickets and reservations, call 081-908-3931, 081-553-0656 or email risingstardancestudio@gmail.com. Part of the proceeds will go to the Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand.
