Dance Theatre continues its 'Quixote'

For the very first time in its 23-year history, the Hilton Head Dance Theatre is bringing one of the most joyous classical ballets to life.

Under the artistic direction of Karena Brock-Carlyle and her husband, John, the group will present "Don Quixote" at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina through Sunday.

The earliest production of "Don Quixote" as a ballet took place in 1740s Vienna. But it was more than a hundred years later that Marius Petipa's dance version, set to music by Leon Minkus, made its debut. This is the production that became the standard ballet version of the tale, and it includes the popular pas de deux (dance for two) that has been frequently presented outside the context of the ballet.

Artistic director and former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Karena Brock-Carlyle danced that pas de deux countless times during her long tenure with the ABT, and considers it one of her favorites.But never having performed in a full-length production of "Don Quixote" (it was added to ABT's repertoire after her departure), Brock says she's relished doing the research necessary to bring this "delightful ballet" to life.

Guest artist Peter Kozak, who has appeared in Dance Theatre productions since 1990, says he's also enthusiastic about the opportunity to appear in the full-length version for the first time in a career that has taken him around the country and includes many years with the Columbia City Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet. He said that the experience is enhanced, as it comes with the added bonus of the Carlyles. "John and Karena are amazing in their ability to nurture dancers and help them with the musicality of the role.Sometimes that gets lost in some of the larger companies I have performed with."

Other guests include former American Ballet Theatre apprentice and Joffrey Ballet dancer Sam Pergande and Columbia City Ballet dancer Robert Michalski.