Russian dancers bring ballet to town

The Imperial Russian Ballet Company is set to perform the spectacular show Don Quixote at the Rotorua Civic Theatre next week.

Don Quixote, a "flamboyant, festive and highly entertaining" ballet show is coming to Rotorua.

The Imperial Russian Ballet Company will perform the popular show at Rotorua's Civic Theatre next Friday during a nationwide tour.

Event manager Rachel Carey said the ballet was something special and should not be missed.

"It's a show people should definitely go and see," she said. "It's festive and fun and full of energy. It just blows you away."

Don Quixote tells the story of a retired gentleman who travels the roads of Spain searching for glory and grand adventure. Accompanying him is a labourer named Sancho Panza, his faithful squire, who he promises to make the wealthy governor of an island.

The show was first performed in Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre in 1869. Since then it has been performed all over the world by Russian and international ballet companies.

The Imperial Russian Ballet Company was formed 20 years ago and has gone on to stage classic masterpieces in the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and the Mossovet Theatre. The show is one of 14 the company will perform in New Zealand.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, the Rotorua Convention Centre or by calling (07) 350 2244. For more information visit www.russianballet.co.nz.