When José Carlos Martínez was growing up in Cartagena, he loved the unique movements and rhythms that are woven into the fabric of Spanish dance and folklore; the flamenco, the fandango, the bolero. His first role was John Travolta's toe-tappingly brilliant Danny in a production of Grease – naturally, given he was the only boy in his dance class. So, when he grew out of the dance school and enrolled at prima ballerina Rosella Hightower's Ecole Supérieure de Danse in Cannes, before joining the Paris Opera Ballet in 1988, it was a culture shock.
"We did all the classical ballets there," he says. "Swan Lake, Giselle and so on. People wanted to see the outstanding technical side of ballet, the pas de deux. I learned a lot."
Not that Martínez didn't throw himself wholeheartedly into one of the world's Big Four ballet companies.
He became principal dancer in 1997, and throughout his 28 years in Paris, won sufficient awards and acclaim to be recognised as one of the best dancers of his generation. But what happened next was fascinating. Hanging up his ballet shoes to become a choreographer and then artistic director of the Compañía Nacional de Danza in his native Spain, he began to consider how he might combine the classical ballet that people flock to see with the folklore of Spanish dance that he loved as a child. And it all came together in his version of Don Quixote, which comes to the
Abu Dhabi Festival on Wednesday and Thursday.
"When I came to the Compañía Nacional in 2010, the idea was to bring back some of the classical, traditional ballets as the former director Nacho Duato had been working in a very contemporary way," he says. "We hadn't performed a full-length, classical ballet for 25 years. So I was trying to find the right title for us, and it just seemed that Don Quixote made sense – it is a classical ballet but, of course, it is a Spanish story."
A complex but inspirational 17th-century story at that. Putting aside the literary merits of Cervantes' tale of a Spanish nobleman and his sidekick Sancho Panza on a vast tragicomic quest, the ballet production itself has a long and famous history.
Created by Marius Petipa for Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet in 1869 and refined and revived by Alexander Gorsky in 1900, it was created to show off how expressive ballet could be, the last grand pas de deux from the final scene of one of the art form's greatest passages.
Some of the 20th century's most famous dancers and choreographers, such as Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov, have taken on Don Quixote, and Martínez says he had all of these versions in mind when he began thinking how he would approach the adapted stories the ballet tells in three acts.
"I wanted to respect the action and the history of the ballet, but I also wanted to change – just a little bit – the idea that Don Quixote and Sancho Panza are like a comic turn, a pantomime. It was important for me that Don Quixote has a poetic, romantic side and can find real love, which is not in the original version.
"Also, we call it Don Quixote, but really it's the story of Quiteria and Basilio. Her father wants to marry her off to city's richest man but she is in love with Basilio – Don Quixote is only there to disturb that story and take it off into a dreamlike, almost supernatural place. He's fighting with his imagination. So, to give Don Quixote a poetic side was important."
It’s not just the storytelling which might raise a few eyebrows, either. Martínez says it was really important to emphasise the Spanish elements of the first act, even if Petipa did originally make some reference to them. So there are echoes of bolero, fandango and flamenco in the opening exchanges, in an attempt, Martínez says, to get “closer to our folklore”.
“It felt really nice to get back to the essence of Spanish dance, and I had some help to get the right arm positions, rhythms and dynamics,” he tells us. “Even with the costume design, we wanted it to evoke, say, the paintings of Velázquez.”
It’s interesting listening to Martínez explain the level of detail that has to go into a production like this when he’s in charge of a national dance company. His move from principal dancer to director is akin to a world famous footballer such as Zinedine Zidane becoming head coach of Real Madrid – there is suddenly a whole set of new demands which require a completely different skillset. It’s no longer simply about performing your moves to the best of your ability. Martínez likes the comparison.
“Oh yes, it’s really a different job altogether,” he says. “When you are a dancer you only worry about your body and your performance. But when I began to choreograph it was a big change. You need to work with people, organise them and it was the beginning of my evolution that finished by becoming director of this company.
“But it was so difficult being a director at the beginning. The first season, I wasn’t ready for all the administrative side, for sure. With the help of my team I was able to be in the studio more and more. For me it was the right transition and right moment to stop dancing and begin to work with the others.
“Finally now when I see the company on stage it’s like I’m dancing myself, I’ve continued dancing through their bodies.”
And in Spain, the reshaping of Compañía Nacional de Danza under Martínez's stewardship has been a great success. They're not entirely a classical operation: as Spain's national dance company – and one of very few Spanish ballet outfits full stop – Martínez says it's important that they present a diverse range of dance languages. So alongside Don Quixote, their repertoire also includes contemporary work by William Forsythe and Jérôme Bel. The excited reaction to the news they will be touring a new classical production of the Nutcracker suggests they're on the right track.
“We don’t have any choreography, set or costumes, but it’s already going to be sold out for our next season,” says Martínez with a laugh.
He's just as intrigued by how Don Quixote might be received in Abu Dhabi, too.
"It's our first time here, and it will be different because when you're in Spain, everyone knows Cervantes and the history, more or less. They feel at home. In Abu Dhabi that won't be the case, so I hope most of all people will feel a lot of emotion as well as appreciate the technical skill of the dancers. Ballet is a great medium for exploring the poetic because it's so expressive. You are speaking with your body. So if people see the poetic side of Quixote, and are able to dream with our production, then I will be really happy."
Compañía Nacional de Danza's Don Quixote is at Emirates Palace Auditorium tomorrow and Friday. See www.abudhabifestival.ae for more information
_______________
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Emirati composer Ihab Darwish on the very personal story behind 'Waves of My Life
Eurovision-style Russian music awards Bravo to be held in Abu Dhabi this year
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Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
The story in numbers
18
This is how many recognised sects Lebanon is home to, along with about four million citizens
450,000
More than this many Palestinian refugees are registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, with about 45 per cent of them living in the country’s 12 refugee camps
1.5 million
There are just under 1 million Syrian refugees registered with the UN, although the government puts the figure upwards of 1.5m
73
The percentage of stateless people in Lebanon, who are not of Palestinian origin, born to a Lebanese mother, according to a 2012-2013 study by human rights organisation Frontiers Ruwad Association
18,000
The number of marriages recorded between Lebanese women and foreigners between the years 1995 and 2008, according to a 2009 study backed by the UN Development Programme
77,400
The number of people believed to be affected by the current nationality law, according to the 2009 UN study
4,926
This is how many Lebanese-Palestinian households there were in Lebanon in 2016, according to a census by the Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue committee
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
If you go
Flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh with a stop in Yangon from Dh3,075, and Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh with its partner Bangkok Airlines from Dh2,763. These trips take about nine hours each and both include taxes. From there, a road transfer takes at least four hours; airlines including KC Airlines (www.kcairlines.com) offer quick connecting flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville from about $100 (Dh367) return including taxes. Air Asia, Malindo Air and Malaysian Airlines fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville from $54 each way. Next year, direct flights are due to launch between Bangkok and Sihanoukville, which will cut the journey time by a third.
The stay
Rooms at Alila Villas Koh Russey (www.alilahotels.com/ kohrussey) cost from $385 per night including taxes.
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
Liverpool's all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
SCHEDULE
December 8: UAE v USA (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
December 9: USA v Scotland (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
December 11: UAE v Scotland (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
December 12: UAE v USA (ICC Academy Oval 1)
December 14: USA v Scotland (ICC Academy Oval 1)
December 15: UAE v Scotland (ICC Academy Oval 1)
All matches start at 10am
The%20specs
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Results
Light Flyweight (49kg): Mirzakhmedov Nodirjon (UZB) beat Daniyal Sabit (KAZ) by points 5-0.
Flyweight (52kg): Zoirov Shakhobidin (UZB) beat Amit Panghol (IND) 3-2.
Bantamweight (56kg): Kharkhuu Enkh-Amar (MGL) beat Mirazizbek Mirzahalilov (UZB) 3-2.
Lightweight (60kg): Erdenebat Tsendbaatar (MGL) beat Daniyal Shahbakhsh (IRI) 5-0.
Light Welterweight (64kg): Baatarsukh Chinzorig (MGL) beat Shiva Thapa (IND) 3-2.
Welterweight (69kg): Bobo-Usmon Baturov (UZB) beat Ablaikhan Zhussupov (KAZ) RSC round-1.
Middleweight (75kg): Jafarov Saidjamshid (UZB) beat Abilkhan Amankul (KAZ) 4-1.
Light Heavyweight (81kg): Ruzmetov Dilshodbek (UZB) beat Meysam Gheshlaghi (IRI) 3-2.
Heavyweight (91kg): Sanjeet (IND) beat Vassiliy Levit (KAZ) 4-1.
Super Heavyweight ( 91kg): Jalolov Bakhodir (UZB) beat Kamshibek Kunkabayev (KAZ) 5-0.
New schools in Dubai
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
CABINET%20OF%20CURIOSITIES%20EPISODE%201%3A%20LOT%2036
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The%20specs
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TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SERIES%208
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
STAGE%201%20RESULTS
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Other key dates
-
Finals draw: December 2
-
Finals (including semi-finals and third-placed game): June 5–9, 2019
-
Euro 2020 play-off draw: November 22, 2019
-
Euro 2020 play-offs: March 26–31, 2020
Inside%20Out%202
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THE%20SPECS
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
