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San Diego Ballet’s Latin Lover Comes to La Jolla
San Diego Ballet’s Artistic Director Javier Velasco wants you to get swept away to the sounds of Spanish guitars in a rapturous, romantic evening devoted to love and the human condition. The upcoming production of The Many Loves of Don Juan follows the world’s most famous Latin lover through his triumphs and tragedies, as he journeys the world in his search for fulfillment. Soulful and sizzling, this work is choreographed by Velasco and features former American Ballet Theatre dancer Marshall Whiteley.
“I leaned into the strengths of our Company in selecting this season’s works and having a dancer with the strength, ability and passion of Marshall Whiteley, provided an opportunity to present a work like Don Juan,” explained Velasco.
Born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and raised in San Diego, Calif., Marshall was a nationally ranked ice hockey player by the age of 11. At 13, he began formal ballet training and by 20, he was accepted as a corps de ballet member for the American Ballet Theatre. While with the company, Marshall performed roles in most major classics, such as Giselle, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, and Firebird.
In 2020, Marshall returned to San Diego to be closer to his family. 2022-23 marked his first season with the San Diego Ballet, where he performed a wide range of roles in a variety of styles.
Don Juan also features Stephanie Maiorano, who first performed the role 10 years ago.
“It was an incredible experience and I honestly didn’t know that I would get the chance to dance it again. Now, I’m more experienced and have lived more life, I’m sure I’ll have a different view of my character and I’m looking forward to seeing how I’ll attack the role,” she explained.
The Many Loves of Don Juan plays at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla. Showtimes are Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., and Feb.25 at 2 p.m. For more information, visit https://sandiegoballet.org/shows.
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