Featured Artists
Angel Corella
Ludwig Minkus
Angel Corella is regarded as one of the finest dancers of his generation. His talent, passion, and technique have brought him worldwide acclaim and established him as one of the most recognizable names in dance. Angel was appointed artistic director of Philadelphia Ballet beginning with our 2014/2015 season.
Angel joined American Ballet Theatre in 1995 and quickly rose to the rank of principal dancer. Throughout his 17-year career with them, he excelled in a wide range of repertory, performing such iconic roles as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, and the Nutcracker Prince in The Nutcracker. He has also appeared as a guest artist with the Royal Ballet in London, the Kirov Ballet in Russia, and New York City Ballet. As well, Angel has received numerous awards, including 1st prize in the National Ballet Competition in Spain (1991), the Prix Benois de la Danse (2000), and the National Award of Spain (2003). He has danced for Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Sophia of Spain, and for Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
Angel’s onstage passion and talents have translated to his behind-the-scenes career as well. From 2008 to 2014, he served as director for his own company, the Barcelona Ballet (formerly the Corella Ballet), in his native Spain, where he is regarded as a national treasure. His was the first cla
And while Angel retired from American Ballet Theater in June 2012, he continued to dance with his own company.
A passionate teacher and mentor to young professional dancers, Angel has taught at various summer programs as well as leading dance schools, including the Royal Ballet School in London. He now applies that same passion, verve, and balletic insight to the dancers of Philadelphia Ballet.
If Tchaikovsky’s ballets are the bedrock of classical ballet, then Minkus’s work is certainly foundational as well. Aloysius Bernhard Philipp Minkus was born in Moravia (Czechoslovakia) to Jewish parents who converted to Catholicism just before marrying and moving to Vienna. Young Minkus was enrolled at the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde at four years old and began concertizing at the age of eight. A rival of Johan Strauss, Junior (the Waltz King), he began composing and conducting at an early age. In 1853, Minkus emigrated to Russia to conduct an orchestra in St. Petersburg. He moved to Moscow a few years later to serve as concertmaster and conductor at the Bolshoi Theater and to teach violin at the newly established Moscow Conservatory. Minkus was called upon to compose more and more for the Ballet. After the death of Cesare Pugni in 1870, Minkus was appointed principal composer of the St. Petersburg Imperial Theater. During his sixteen-year tenure there, he worked mostly with choreographer Marius Petipa to create some of the best-known works in the repertoire, including Don Quixote, La Bayadère, La Source and Paquita.
-Beatrice Jona Affron
Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ classic novel, Don Quixote is a vibrant ballet that blends classical dance, Spanish flair, and comedic charm. Set to Ludwig Minkus’ lively score, the ballet follows the love story of Kitri and Basilio, whose romance is threatened by her arranged marriage to Gamache. Meanwhile, the delusional Don Quixote embarks on a series of whimsical adventures accompanied by his loyal squire, Sancho Panza.
Angel Corella’s interpretation highlights the thrilling, comedic, and romantic elements of the story, from Don Quixote’s windmill battle to a joyful wedding. Filled with dazzling choreography and passionate energy, Don Quixote is a timeless celebration of love and heroism.
The set for this production was made possible by a generous gift from Rita and Larry Salva, Guarantors of Philadelphia Ballet’s Don Quixote.
