Classical variation guide
Cupid
Also known as Amour variation
Don Quixote · Act II · Dream Scene
Female
Foundational
Marius Petipa
About this variation
The Cupid Variation (also known as the Amour variation) is a famous, lively solo from Act II of the classical ballet Don Quixote. The solo takes place during the ballet’s famous “Dream Scene.” In this scene, Don Quixote envisions a magical garden overseen by the Queen of the Dryads and Cupid himself.
Performance quality
Mischievous, sparkling, precise
Training focus
Rehearse sharp head and eye coordination, clean fifth positions, light pas de bourrée, and still balances that land exactly on the musical accents.
Key elements
Balances · Quick footwork · Petit allegro · Character acting · Attitude retiré · Attitude en l’air · Petit développé · Piqué turns · Rapid forward pas de bourrée · Pas de chat · Petit jetés