On 15 August 2017, nearly 200 enthusiastic audience members attended The Preview of Don Quixote led by Artistic Director Septime Webre and Assistant Artistic Administrator Sasa Chow at the Studio Theatre inside Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

During the engaging session, participants learned about the background and history of Don Quixote followed by a live demonstration of ballet techniques for both men and women by Company dancers. Additionally, dance excerpts from the production were performed by Company dancers Li Lin, Gao Ge, Leung Chunlong, Xia Jun, Sun Haonan, Garry Corpuz and Lee Joo Ho. These included the Dance of Espada, Mercedes and Toreadors and featured Naomi Yuzawa in Cupid’s Solo Variation and Gao Ge in Queen of Dryads’ Solo Variation. 

The various character dances in Don Quixote were introduced using an onstage costume display. Zhang Xuening and Xia Jun performed the Bolero dance – a signature character dance excerpt. Afterwards, the audience was treated to a presentation on the art of Pas de Deux through multimedia content highlighting several iconic Pas de Deux. Ye Feifei and Li Jiabo also performed the Pas de Deux in Don Quixote’s Act III. 

At the Preview’s conclusion, Company dancers shared their personal experiences with Don Quixote. Participants very much enjoyed getting an early glimpse of this colourful ballet production!