Summer Intensive
Welcome to the Civic Dance Centre, official dance school of the Scranton Civic Ballet Company. The Scranton Civic Ballet Company was founded in 1978 by Northeast Pennsylvania's most respected dance instructor, Miss Helen M. Gaus. Originally as a regional resident company, the Scranton Civic Ballet Company is at the forefront of ballet and the performing arts in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Our school makes every effort to instill in its students the discipline and knowledge needed to approach learning in a professional way, whether one's intent is to become a professional dancer or to learn the rigorous discipline of dance to carry oneself through life.
At "Civic," we believe that our role is to guide young dancers through increasingly disciplined levels of dance in a friendly, caring atmosphere. Creative energy, gracefulness, a heightened awareness of music and musicality, and a focus on technique are only some of the benefits our programs have to offer. The Scranton Civic Ballet Company is dedicated to bringing quality dance training within reach of young dancers to make dreams a reality.
The Scranton Civic Ballet Company is a non-profit organization focused on dance education and performance. It is the company’s mission to educate our members and the public in the art of dance while bringing the talents of well-known artists, choreographers, and master teachers into northeast Pennsylvania for the benefit of our students as well as our audiences.
Welcome to the Civic Dance Centre, official dance school of the Scranton Civic Ballet Company. The Scranton Civic Ballet Company was founded in 1978 by Northeast Pennsylvania's most respected dance instructor, Miss Helen M. Gaus. Originally as a regional resident company, the Scranton Civic Ballet Company is at the forefront of ballet and the performing arts in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Our school makes every effort to instill in its students the discipline and knowledge needed to approach learning in a professional way, whether one's intent is to become a professional dancer or to learn the rigorous discipline of dance to carry oneself through life.
At "Civic," we believe that our role is to guide young dancers through increasingly disciplined levels of dance in a friendly, caring atmosphere. Creative energy, gracefulness, a heightened awareness of music and musicality, and a focus on technique are only some of the benefits our programs have to offer. The Scranton Civic Ballet Company is dedicated to bringing quality dance training within reach of young dancers to make dreams a reality.
The Scranton Civic Ballet Company is a non-profit organization focused on dance education and performance. It is the company’s mission to educate our members and the public in the art of dance while bringing the talents of well-known artists, choreographers, and master teachers into northeast Pennsylvania for the benefit of our students as well as our audiences.
DON QUIXOTE
Music
Ludwig Minkus
Choreography
Helen Gaus & Robert Zaloga, after Marius Petipa & Alexander Gorsky
CREDITS
Music
Don Quixote (1869)
Premiere
April 19, 2026, The Theater at North
Original Cast
Olivia Fiscus (Kitri)
Robert Zaloga (Basilio)
Rebecca Kameroski (Don Quixote)
Bridget O'Malley (Mercedes)
Alex Hughes (Espada)
Julia Zwick (Queen of Dryads)
Costumes
Jane Rumyantseva, Helen Kasarda
Synopsis
ACT I - THE MARKETPLACE IN BARCELONA: Kitri, daughter of Lorenzo and Rosalia, is in love with Basilio, a charming, poor town barber. Much to her chagrin, she learns of her parent’s plan to marry her to Gamache, a foppish nobleman. Don Quixote, an eccentric, elderly gentleman who, obsessed with tales of chivalry, enters the village, causing great commotion. Noticing Kitri, Don Quixote wonders if he has, at last, found his Dulcinea. At the height of merriment, Kitri and Basilio, aided by their friends, Espada and Mercedes, sneak off to be together followed by Don Quixote.
ACT II - GYPSY CAMP: Kitri and Basilio find themselves in a friendly gypsy camp where they are invited to join in a night of festivities. Espada and Mercedes follow into the camp. As the gypsies dance, Mercedes interrupts the camp by joining in a dance. Don Quixote discovers the fleeing couple as he is having a vision of his Dulcinea but realizes Kitri is not his “ideal”, but indeed belongs to Basilio. Don Quixote chases the camp with the wind gaining momentum. He foolishly attempts to attack the windmill, believing it to be a giant threatening Dulcinea’s safety. Failing miserably, he collapses into a deep sleep.
INTERMISSION
ACT III - THE DREAM: Don Quixote has an enchanted dream of beautiful maidens in which the image of Kitri symbolizes his Dulcinea.
ACT IV - THE WEDDING: The village celebrates the marriage of Kitri and Basilio. With the blessing from Lorenzo and Rosalia, the village begins to dance in the couples honor.