Celebrate Post-Fiesta Magic with Don Quixote at The Majestic
San Antonio’s Fiesta season might be winding down, but the celebration isn’t over. Join the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) for a vibrant production of the legendary masterpiece, Don Quixote, running May 8–9. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2026)
Performed at the stunning Majestic Theatre downtown, this production is the perfect bridge between the city’s festive heritage and Mother’s Day weekend. It’s a fun-filled experience for the whole family, featuring charming characters, a romantic score, and the hilarious antics of the world’s most famous bumbling knight. Tickets are available online.
A Night in Old Spain
If you love the colorful dresses and party atmosphere of San Antonio’s Fiesta, you won’t want to miss this. Set in a timeless Barcelona plaza, Don Quixote follows:
- The Lovers: Kitri and the poor barber Basilio, who are desperately trying to elope.
- The Knight: The comically delusional Don Quixote and his trusty sidekick, Sancho Panza.
- The Journey: A madcap adventure featuring fortune tellers, circus acts, and of course windmills.
“It is the rare classical ballet that is joyful and comedic. The whole production feels like a celebration. No one dies or is betrayed, and there is a happy ending.” — Vanessa Bessler, CBSA Founder and Artistic Director
This production adds modern flair to the 100-year-old choreography with aerialists, acro performances, and a contemporary dance number. Show up early to browse the special souvenir market and take photos with the cast,
From Russia to South Texas
While Don Quixote is a natural fit for South Texas with its Spanish heritage and cape-whipping toreros (bullfighters), the ballet actually has deep Russian roots. First popularized by the legendary Anna Pavlova in 1924, it remains a living link to the famed Russian Imperial ballet style.
Even if you lean more “rodeo” than “ronde de jambe,” you’ll be mesmerized by the “Dance of Espada and the Toreros,” a showcase of pure charisma and athleticism.
Viva Virtuosity!
Don’t let the word “Children’s” fool you, these dancers are world-class. The young company members of CBSA have earned over 100 placements in prestigious competitions this season alone.
The choreography is famously demanding. The duet between Kitri and Basilio is considered one of the ultimate tests of a dancer’s ability, featuring:
- Dizzying pirouettes
- Soaring leaps
- Feather-light lifts
Many of these performers have received invitations to train at European powerhouses like the Royal Ballet of London and the Dutch National Academy.
Better Than Brunch: Make it a Mother’s Day Tradition
Skip the standard brunch line and treat Mom to an afternoon of high-quality art. CBSA is an internationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to providing young performers with professional-level stage experience. Under Vanessa Bessler’s inclusive leadership, the production celebrates the joy of dance across all ages.
Event Details
| Date | Time |
| Friday, May 8 | 7:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, May 9 | 2:00 p.m. |
Location:
The Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Note: The Souvenir Market and Cast Photo op opens one hour prior to showtime.
About the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio
The award-winning CBSA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that produces professional-level productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented youth. Their mission is to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for creative lives through elite training and performance opportunities.
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