Alisa Garkavenko: 'Get Ready With Me' for a performance of Don Quixote

Thursday 19 February 2026

In this run of Carlos Acosta’s Don Quixote, I’m performing several roles: Kitri’s Friend, a Dryad, a Gypsy, a Flower Girl [the backstage name for a female soloist role in Act III, Scene I: The Tavern], Fandango, Seguidilla and a Tutu Girl [the backstage name for a female corps de ballet role in Act III, Scene II: The Wedding]. Each one has a completely different character and style, and I love the challenge of switching between them throughout the ballet.

Tonight, I’m getting ready to perform Kitri’s Friends.

Preparation for Don Quixote begins long before I step on stage. My day starts with a full ballet class, which is essential for waking up the body, refining technique, and grounding the mind. It’s not just about physical readiness – it’s about finding clarity and focus.

About an hour before the show, I begin my makeup and hair. I really enjoy this part of the process because it marks the mental shift into performance mode. It’s that in-between moment where I transition from being myself into becoming the character.

My makeup always depends on the role. For Kitri’s Friends – which I debuted in this run – I focus more on defining the eyes and go slightly darker to create a stronger stage presence under the lights. I also never use just one lipstick. I love blending two or three shades to find the right tone for the character. I’m still learning and refining my stage makeup, and I’m so grateful to my colleagues for sharing their tips and tricks.

For most roles in Don Quixote, we wear our hair in a high classical bun. I use an elastic, plenty of pins, a hair net, and lots of hairspray to keep everything secure. Depending on the role, we may also add hairpieces, carefully pinned in to withstand all the movement on stage.

Just before going on, I do a short, focused warm-up, enough to feel connected, but never overworked. I usually include gentle joint mobility, light stretching, and a few strengthening exercises to activate my core and legs. Right before stepping into the wings, I like to do a few tendus, pliés, grands battements, and some small jumps. The goal isn’t to tire the body, but to feel energised, awake, and ready to move freely.

I always take a quiet moment to centre myself. I run through the choreography mentally and think about who I am that evening: how my character moves, carries herself, and what energy she brings to the stage. By the time I step out, I’m already living in her world.

I absolutely love the costumes in Don Quixote. The Tutu Girls wear beautiful classical tutus that feel natural to dance in and perfectly support the classical style. Tonight, as Kitri’s Friend, I’ll be wearing a pink dress with a flower in my bun, which instantly creates that vibrant Spanish atmosphere. The costume really helps me embody the character; it’s amazing how much it influences the way you move and feel.

Every detail, from class to makeup, to costume, to that final breath before the curtain rises, becomes part of the transformation.