Don Quixote is a landmark Spanish novel by Miguel de Cervantes, published in 1605 and completed in 1615, that follows the adventures of Don Quixote and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza. Originally a satire of chivalric romances, it became a celebrated exploration of imagination, reality, and human nature, and is considered one of the first modern novels. Inspired by the novel, Don Quixote was adapted into a classical ballet by Marius Petipa with music by Ludwig Minkus, premiering in 1869 at the Bolshoi Theatre. Rather than focusing on Don Quixote’s adventures, the ballet centers on the romance of Kitri and Basilio, featuring vibrant Spanish-inspired dances, virtuosic choreography, and festive storytelling. It is one of the most popular and enduring works in the classical ballet repertoire. It is generally performed by larger companies much like Swan Lake or Sleeping Beauty.