‘Don Quixote’ ballet opens in Sarasota

Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” (actually titled “The Ingenious Don Quixote of La Mancha,” though no one ever calls it that) is probably the best-selling novel of all time, and almost undoubtedly the most influential. In the 400 years since it was written, it has been the basis of plays, songs, movies and one of most popular musicals ever.

It’s also been adapted into ballet several times. The Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet is staging a ballet version of “Don Quixote” for one performance this weekend at the Sarasota Opera House.

The Ellenton-based studio was established 16 years ago, with a goal of helping to serve the artistic needs of the Parrish, Ellenton and Palmetto areas. Founder Partington is a former principal ballerina with the Ballet Du Nord in France, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Sarasota Ballet and the New Jersey Ballet. The studio was begun in Parrish but after three years moved into a much larger space in Ellenton, in 2003.

Students from the studio have been accepted into prestigious summer programs such as the The Boston Ballet School, School of American Ballet, The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, Pittsburgh Ballet School, Orlando Ballet School, Miami City Ballet School, and former students have gone on to dance with professional companies.

Details: 7 p.m. May 21, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $35. 941-328-1300, sarasotaopera.org.

This story was originally published May 18, 2016 at 5:42 PM with the headline "‘Don Quixote’ ballet opens in Sarasota."