The Australian Ballet (AB) has announced that Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev of St Petersberg's Mikhailovsky Theatre will be joining the company for its season opener, Don Quixote. The Russian pair have an international reputation and are particularly acclaimed for their performances in Don Quixote. Osipova and Vasiliev will perform the lead roles of Kitri and Basilio for two special performances in Melbourne on 16 and 18 March (for nightly casting visit www.australianballet.com.au).
Artistic director of the AB, David McAllister, is looking forward to showing off the Russian guests to Australian audiences. “I’m so excited that Natalia and Ivan will be joining us for our Melbourne season of Don Quixote and that their first time dancing live in Australia will be with us," he comments. "They are two of the most exciting dancers in the world and their Basilio and Kitri are world’s best. The fiery energy of Basilio and Kitri fills the stage with life and a series of show-stopping solos that will have the audience on the edge of their seats."
Much-loved veteran of the Australian Ballet Steven Heathcote will return to the stage to take the rite role of the Don for both Melbourne and Sydney seasons.
Don Quixote will play the Arts Centre Melbourne 15-26 March and the Sydney Opera House 5-24 April. More info: www.australianballet.com.au.