22 Dec-5 Jan. Don Quixote, choreography by Petipa/Gorsky. Based on the epic masterpiece by Cervantes, the original version of the ballet was conceived by the legendary choreographer Marius Pepita in 1869 and was first performed in Moscow at the Bolshoi Theatre where its opportunities for virtuoso dancing by its principals, made it both a crowd-pleaser and a career-maker.

When Rudolph Nureyev danced it he brought a new energy that ensured it became a favourite both at the Kirov Ballet and then in the west. With all its fast footwork, Spanish fire and lots of fun, the story of the eccentric old knight on a quest to find the love of his life provides good material also for an unspecialised public. It is to be seen, however, whether the Rome ensemble is up to task.