Events Calendar Select Month September 2020

Paloma Gomez
June 2-3, 2017

http://www.palomagomez.com.es

Ms. Gomez graduated from the Royal Professional Conservatory of Dance “Mariemma” in Madrid, with specialties in Classical Spanish Dance, Escuela Bolera and Flamenco. She studied with master teachers Lola de Avila (Classical Ballet), José Antonio (with whom she later shared the stage as lead dancer) Azary Plisetsky (Classical Ballet), Jorge Esquivel (Classical Ballet), Victoria Eugenia “Beti” (Classical Spanish Dance), Paco Romero (Classical Spanish Dance), Goyo Montero (Jazz), Carl París (Modern and Contemporary) and Pedro Azorín (Spanish Folklore).

At the age of 17 she became a member of Ballet Nacional de España, where she remained for four and a half years. She was also a principal dancer for José Antonio y los Ballets Españoles and Nuevo Ballet Español, under direction of Angel Rojas and Carlos Rodríguez, where she was also a costume designer and Assistant Artistic Director. In 2000 she founded Paloma Gómez Flamenco & Spanish Dance and directed two shows: De Lunares and De Tapas. Both shows, for which she was director, choreographer and dancer, toured nationally and internationally. Since then, Ms. Gomez has traveled extensively, performing, teaching, and choreographing.

Ms. Gomez has been a guest artist for the Ensemble Español's annual American Spanish Dance & Music Festival in Chicago since 2007 and has choreographed for the company. She was also a guest artist at the Tribute to Alicia Alonso during the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Alicia Alonso Institute of Dance at the Juan Carlos I University, celebrated at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid.

James Jordan,
Ballet Master and Repetiteur,
Sarasota Ballet
April 29-30, 2017

https://www.sarasotaballet.org/james-jordan-ballet-master-repetiteur

Hailing from Staunton, Virginia, James Jordan’s early years revolved around music and theatre before beginning his formal dance training at the Richmond Ballet during his freshman year at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Theatre Department. Ballet scholarships took him to North Carolina School of the Arts where he studied under Duncan Noble, Gyula Pandi, Mimi Paul and Joysanne Sidimus. It was there that Todd Bolender recruited Jordan for his first company of dancers at Kansas City Ballet, where he continued to train under Bolender, Diana Adams and Una Kai. Those years as principal dancer with Kansas City Ballet provided both classical and contemporary features in the works of Bolender, Balanchine, Tudor, Bournonville and Ailey. Summer hiatus’ provided opportunities to perform with the Santa Fe Opera and the Santa Fe Dance Company.

Career opportunities then led him to press relations and event planning for public television in New York while continuing to perform in the northeast. Jordan appeared as guest artist for the Berkshire Ballet and the New Jersey Ballet, and for a Dances Patrelle series, New York Times critic Jennifer Dunning proclaimed his New York debut in a Romeo and Juliet pas de deux as being “absolutely dazzling.”

In 1991 Bolender invited Jordan to return as ballet master. Over the next 23 years, under Bolender and later artistic director William Whitener, Jordan would restage or rehearse classical, neoclassical and contemporary works of these aforementioned masters and other notable choreographers including Robbins, Tharp, Cunningham and Taylor. He also assisted numerous choreographers creating for Kansas City Ballet, including Robert Hill, Margo Sappington, Jody Gates and Lila York.

In 2000 Jordan received his BFA in dance from the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance where he also served as president of their alumni board. He has taught and choreographed on students at UMKC and also for Kansas City Ballet School during summer intensives and in staging Bolender’s annual Nutcracker production.

Also in 2000, Jordan worked alongside Bolender in recreating Balanchine’s lost ballet Renard for New York’s Wall to Wall Balanchine Festival, as well as Kansas City’s Stravinsky Festival. He assisted Bolender in staging many of his works on Kansas City Ballet and also his comedic hit Souvenirs for Pacific Northwest Ballet in 2003. At his passing in 2006, Bolender appointed Jordan to the role of Artistic Trustee of all of his ballets.

Jordan’s work as repetiteur for the Antony Tudor Ballet Trust began in 1997. Under the leadership of Trustee Sally Bliss, he traveled across the nation studying five Tudor ballets as they were being staged by either Airi Hynninen or Donald Mahler. He began with Gala Performance in 1993 in Kansas City and grew impassioned about learning and preserving these masterworks. Continued exposure to Tudor’s Lilac Garden, Offenbach in the Underworld, Dark Elegies and Echoing of Trumpets occurred under Mahler’s careful watch through the years at Ballet West, The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, San Francisco Ballet, San Jose Ballet and Miami City Ballet.

Jordan has independently staged Gala Performance for San Francisco Ballet, Tulsa Ballet Theatre, Kansas City Ballet, and most recently for The Sarasota Ballet in spring of 2014. He has also staged Offenbach in the Underworld for Milwaukee Ballet and Dark Elegies for UMKC and Washington University in St. Louis. Jordan also serves on the Antony Tudor Ballet Dance Studies committee, which garnered a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for developing Tudor-themed university residencies.

In February 2014 he performed the role of Dr. Van Helsing in Kansas City’s production of Michael Pink’s Dracula. In November 2014 he staged Bolender’s Nutcracker for the final time while also being honored by the organization, serving as Honorary Chair for their annual Nutcracker Ball on 5 December 2014.

Jordan sees his July 2014 appointment as Ballet Master for The Sarasota Ballet as opening a new chapter of artistic excellence under the leadership of Iain Webb and Margaret Barbieri.

Paloma Gomez
June 2-3, 2017

http://www.palomagomez.com.es

Ms. Gomez graduated from the Royal Professional Conservatory of Dance “Mariemma” in Madrid, with specialties in Classical Spanish Dance, Escuela Bolera and Flamenco. She studied with master teachers Lola de Avila (Classical Ballet), José Antonio (with whom she later shared the stage as lead dancer) Azary Plisetsky (Classical Ballet), Jorge Esquivel (Classical Ballet), Victoria Eugenia “Beti” (Classical Spanish Dance), Paco Romero (Classical Spanish Dance), Goyo Montero (Jazz), Carl París (Modern and Contemporary) and Pedro Azorín (Spanish Folklore).

At the age of 17 she became a member of Ballet Nacional de España, where she remained for four and a half years. She was also a principal dancer for José Antonio y los Ballets Españoles and Nuevo Ballet Español, under direction of Angel Rojas and Carlos Rodríguez, where she was also a costume designer and Assistant Artistic Director. In 2000 she founded Paloma Gómez Flamenco & Spanish Dance and directed two shows: De Lunares and De Tapas. Both shows, for which she was director, choreographer and dancer, toured nationally and internationally. Since then, Ms. Gomez has traveled extensively, performing, teaching, and choreographing.

Ms. Gomez has been a guest artist for the Ensemble Español's annual American Spanish Dance & Music Festival in Chicago since 2007 and has choreographed for the company. She was also a guest artist at the Tribute to Alicia Alonso during the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Alicia Alonso Institute of Dance at the Juan Carlos I University, celebrated at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid.

Cameron Basden,
Dance Director, Educator, Repetiteur, Gerald Arpino and Robert Joffrey Foundation
November 5, 2016

Ms. Basden has had a career in dance spanning more than thirty years. She brings passion and spirit to her art, as well as a keen sense of organization and integrity to the projects she undertakes. She served as Ballet Master and Co-Associate Director of The Joffrey Ballet from 1993-2008 and Director of Dance at Interlochen Center for the Arts from 2009-2015. At Interlochen, she grew the division to capacity, developed collaborations, consistently worked with live music, built liaisons with cities world wide and the professional dance community. Ms. Basden stages ballets by Ashton, Cranko, Massine, Nijinsky and Nijinska as well as more contemporary works. She brought to fruition the first Joffrey summer intensive in Chicago leading to the development of the Joffrey Academy. Ms. Basden was a muse for Gerald Arpino in the creation of his ballets. She worked on the PBS filming for their Dance in America series of The Joffrey's production of Billboards, and oversaw the filming and staging of the ballets in Save the Last Dance. As a performer with Joffrey Ballet, Ms. Basden danced in a variety of styles by such choreographers as Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, John Cranko, William Forsythe, Paul Taylor and Twyla Tharp. Roles were created on her by Mark Morris, James Kudelka, Laura Dean and Choo San Goh to name a few. Ms. Basden's television credits include the Dance in America series Homage to Diaghilev and The Search for the Rite of Spring. In 2003 she portrayed herself in Robert Altman's movie, The Company. Ms. Basden serves on the board of The Gerald Arpino and Robert Joffrey Foundation and is the main repetiteur.

Carlos Guerra
June 15, 2016

A native of Cuba, Mr. Guerra began his training at age 10 at the Professional School of Ballet and Plastic Arts in Camaguey, Cuba. In 1996 he joined the Professional Ballet Company of Camaguey as a principal dancer and performed in such works as Swan Lake, Giselle, Carmen, Romeo and Juliet, and Coppélia, among others. He was invited to dance as a soloist for the Ballet Company of Santiago in Chile in 1998 and was a principal dancer for two years. He participated in the International Festival of Ballet in Havana, Cuba and the International Latin Gala in Asuncion, Paraguay. Mr. Guerra was awarded first prize in the Provincial Contest at the School of Ballet in Camaguey in 1995. He also received honorable mention in 1996 at the International Ballet Competition in Havana. He was named principal dancer with Miami City Ballet in 2003 and performs most of the lead male roles, including a great variety of Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Twyla Tharp works. He has recently performed with the company at the Vail International Dance Festival, and the NYC City Center's Fall for Dance series of performances. He was also featured in Miami City Ballet's debut on PBS's Great Performances "Dance in America: Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine and Tharp". Mr. Guerra has taught regularly for the Miami City Ballet School Summer Intensive, as well as teaching as a guest for El Curso del Verano de Ballet Monterrey in Mexico, Ballet Arts in Jackson, Tennessee, and The Naples Dance Conservatory, among others. He is proud to have been featured in numerous magazines including Selecta, Ocean Drive, and Complot, and was named one of the 100 most important people in Florida by Florida International Magazine in 2005. In 2010, he was named one of the top ten creatively influential people in South Florida by The Miami New Times.

Roberto Rodriguez
June 21, 2016

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mr. Rodriguez received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Theater/Dance Education from the University of Puerto Rico. His dancing career started at Ballets de San Juan School in Puerto Rico. He has studied and performed with the School of American Ballet in New York, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and Ballets de San Juan Companies. He has served as a dance counselor for Miami-Dade County Public Schools including Mays Middle, Norland Middle, South Miami Middle and New World School of the Arts Theater Department. Mr Rodriguez was a member of the Miami City Ballet School faculty for many years. He is currently a faculty member the Miami Arts Charter School since it opened in 2009.

Beatriz Uria
August 29 – September 2, 2016

Beatriz Uría graduated from the Complutense University of Madrid in 1993 with a degree in Political Science and Sociology. In 1998 she completed the C.A.P., or pedagogy aptitude course. In 2000 she graduated from the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza in Madrid, with a degree in Spanish Dance. In 2006 she finished her degree in Dance Pedagogy, specializing in choreography and interpretation technique. Other educational courses include an interpretation course in the Instituto de Cine in Madrid (2001-2002) and Curso de Canto with Carmen Rodriguez Aragon in the Escuela de Canto Madrid (2002-2003).

Professionally, Ms. Uría has danced with numerous companies, including Ballet Español de María Rosa, Ballet Español de Murcia, Compañía Joaquín Cortés, and Compañía Antonio Marquez. As a dance, Ms. Uría has performed in Barberillo de Lavapiés (Teatro Madrid, 1994), Amor Brujo, (Cicuito del Mito, Sicilia), “Flamenquerías” (Florida Park, Madrid, 1998), Carmen (Teatro Real, Madrid, 1999), Sansón y Dalila (Teatro Real, Madrid 1999), La Gran Via (feature film, directed by Antonio Cuadri, 2000),  El Manojo de Rosas (Teatro de la Zarzuela, Madrid, 2004), and “Mujeres de Lorca” with the Carmen Cortés Dance Company for the Bienal de Sevilla (Teatro Español, Madrid, 2006). Ms. Uría played the leading role in Yerma, in the Teatro Conde Duque in Madrid (1997) and again with the Teatro Español de Rafael Aguilar in Le Mans, France in 2000. In 2002 she restaged Yerma for the company.

As a choreographer, Ms. Uría directed and choreographed “Casa de Andalucía de Tres Cantos” (1998-2000).  She was the choreographer for the feature film Menos es Más, directed by Pascal Jongen. From 2001 to 2003, she danced, acted, sang, and was assistant choreographer for My Fair Lady in the Teatro Coliseum in Madrid. In 2008 she was recognized for her choreography of “Andalucia” by Ernestro Lecuona, in the VII Maratón de Danza in the Teatro de Madrid.

Additionally, as an actress, Ms. Uría has played several roles in short films and played the leading role of Helen in Sabor a  Miel, (Teatro Montacargas, Madrid, 2007).

Ms. Uría taught Spanish and classical dance at the Escuela de Música San Martín de Valdeiglesias from 1999-2000. From 2001 to 2004, she taught classical ballet and flamenco at the NIC (Instituto de Cine Madrid). In 2003 she was Gael Garcia Bernal’s flamenco teacher, in preparation for his role in Pedro Almodovar’s La Mala Educación. Since 2004, Ms. Uría has been a member of the Spanish dance faculty of the Conservatorio Profesional “Carmen Amaya” in Madrid.

 

Farruquito
March 7, 2016

Juan Manuel Fernández Montoya, or 'Farruquito', is a veverated figure in the world of Flamenco. He is the son of Flamenco singer Juan Fernández Flores, 'El Moreno', the dancer Rosario Montoya Manzano 'La Farruca', and is the chief proponent of unique dancing style founded by his grandfather, 'Farruco'. Throughout his life he has been immersed in the most pure form of Flamenco, making his début on this international scene on Broadway at the age of five. Since then he has devoted his entirety to the preservation and innovation of his beloved art form. At the age of eight he presented his first seasonal show at the Sala Zambra in Madrid and at 12 he appeared in Carlo Saura's film Flamenco, face to face with the family patriarch, El Farruco. That same year, he joined his illustrious family in the show Bodas de Gloria, participating in its artistic and choreographic conception. In 1992 he performed at the Opening Ceremony of the Barcelona Paralympics, and with his grandfather at the Andalucía Pavilion of the Seville Universal Exposition, in the show “Presente, Pasado y Futuro”.

The death of Farruco in 1997 signalled a changing of the guard and Farruquito was entrusted with the responsibility of perpetuating the family lineage. At the age of 15, he created his first show, Raíces Flamecas, in which he distinguished himself as a dancer of a new dimension, who couples all his traditional knowledge with a prodigious personal artistic conception. 

From its début at the London's Royal Festival Hall, this display of the frenetic, indigenous Flamenco achieved instant success, which was then repeated at the Villa and Conde Duque Theaters in Madrid, the Poliorama Theater in Barcelona and on international tours in France and Japan.

In 2001, Farruquito and his family performed at the Flamenco USA Festival and following performances in New York and Boston, the New York Times rated him as “the best artist who set foot in the Big Apple in 2001.” The following year he led the cast of the show Por Derecho and toured through eleven North American cities, where the critics were stunned by the vitality of his art and personality. Furthermore, Farruquito's genius did not go unnoticed by the great photographer Richard Avedon or by the US magazine People, which named him as one of the most beautiful people in the world. 

In November of 2003, the opening of his show “ALMA VIEJA” at the Maestranza Theater in Seville was a huge success. This was repeated at the Albéniz Theater in Madrid and the Victoria Theater in Barcelona and since then, the show has triumphed on stages across Spain, France, Italy and the UK. Out of the spotlight, the dancer also at became head of an academy, based in Seville, which propagates the precepts and techniques of the Farruco school of dance. 

Throughout his career Farruquito has never been short of artistic recognition, with regards to both the critical press and artistic accolades. In 2004 alone he received a plethora of awards such as the Premio Público for best Flamenco dancer, the Flamenco Hoy for best Flamenco dancer, the Telón Chivas 2004 Award for best dancer, and the prestigious APDE 2004 Prize to “the dignified repository of the inheritance of gypsy dancing.”

Mar Lopez
August 29 – September 2, 2016

Mar Lopez graduated with a professional degree in Spanish dance with honors from the Conservatorio Superior de Música and Escuela de Arte Dramático y Danza in Murcia at age 14. At 18, she graduated from the Real Escuela de Arte Dramático y Danza in Madrid with honors. Since then, she has continued her studies with renowned professors, including Rosa Naranjo, Ana Baselga, Lola Grande, Carmen Roche, Mariemma, Paco Romero, Betty, Goyo Montero, María Magdalena, Paco Fernández, Merche Esmeralda, Ciro, Carmen Cortés, Adrián Galia, Pedro Azorín, and Juanjo Linares, among others.

She has danced with the Ballet Español de María Rosa, Ballet Español Paco Romero, Compañia de Danza Flamenca Carmen Cortés, Cruceta Ballet Flamenco, Ballet Español de Yoko Komatsubara, Ballet Español Danzadas, and Malucos Flamencos.  Some of the repertory Ms. López has danced, choreographed by Antonio, include “Paso a Cuatro,” “Allegro de Concierto,” “Casada Infiel,” and “Amor Brujo” (as the role of Candela).

Ms. López also has a degree in History from the Complutense University of Madrid, as well as a degree in Dance Pedagogy, specializing in choreography and interpretation technique.

Ms. Lopez has been a faculty member of the Conservatorio Profesional “Carmen Amaya” in Madrid since 2003. She is also a member of the administrative board, and currently holds the position of Vice-President.

Most recently, Ms. López has performed in Bodas de Sangre by Antonio (Teatro del Arena, Madrid, 2008), “La Escuela Bolera: Ilustrados y Castizos,” choreographed by Rafael Alarcón (Museo del Traje, Madrid, 2008), La del manojo de Rosas, (Teatro Campoamor, Oviedo and Teatro Arriaga, Bilbao, 2009), Doña Francisquita, (Teatro de la Opera, Toulouse, France, 2014), both choreographed by Goyo Montero and directed by Emlio Sagi. With Malucos Flamenco, she performed “Nanos para despertar,” “Farandula,” and “The Spanish Trip” (2009-2010), choreographed by Carlos Chamorro. In 2012 Ms. López was the assistant choreographer for Antonio’s “Paso a cuatro” for Ballet Nacional de España’s production of Clásicos de la Danza Española, directed by Antonio Najarro. Ms. López has taught master classes and workshops in the following conservatories: Conservatorio Profesional de Danza “Kina Jimenez” (Almería), Conservatorio Profesional de Danza “Reina Sofia” (Granada), Institut del Teatre (Barcelona), and Escuela Profesional de Danza de Castilla y Leon.

Juan Maria Seller
June 13, 2016

Juan Maria Seller is a Spanish choreographer, dancer, and teacher. He was formed in the disciplines of theater, dance-theater, ballet, modern and contemporary dance. Since 2005, based on his experience and knowledge, he has been developing a broad teaching method that is suitable for dancers with and without disabilities.

His theater and dance studies began at the "Centro Dramático de la Diputación Provincial de Badajoz", and furthermore at the "Conservatorio de Arte Dramático y Danza de Sevilla", Spain. Later, they continued with Luis Fuentes and Víctor Ullate, Spain. In 1991, he was selected to study at the Martha Graham School, NYC. Some of his teachers are: Pilar Pérez Calvete, Marisol Higueras, Luis Fuentes, Brinard Mel, Norio Yoshida, Víctor Ullate, Joan Cassasas, Carl Paris, Paul Grey, Jacome Philipe and Myrna Renaud.

Between 1984 and 1990, he worked with the companies "Pas Pie" and "Atalaya", Sevilla and "Ramón Solé", Barcelona. In Spain, he worked with the companies "Compañía de Danza Cristina Magnet", "Transit", "Ensitu Danza", "Amalgama" amongst others. "Seller Danza" is the company he created and maintained for 5 years in Spain.

He has an extensive repertoire of various performances and short pieces premiered in Spain, France, Portugal, and Puerto Rico, such as: "Recordanzas", "Tiempo de Tango", "Sefirah", Angels, "As Saudades Nossas" and "Arte por la Vida". In Puerto Rico he worked as a Ballet Master and Choreographer for the company "Dramadanza" and created several choreographies for the companies: "Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico" with Don't Cry Paris, premiered in the "XXVIII Festival de Coreógrafos"; Western Theater Ballet with his version of "Carmen"; and "Coda 21" with Behind the Bricks.

Currently, he resides and works in Miami where he has presented a solo for the Miami Open Stage. In addition, he has choreographed for the Miami Arts Charter School (MAC) and for the Performing Arts Network (PAN). As a dancer, he is working with Karen Peterson and Dancers where he has performed for its 25th Anniversary as well as for the guest Serbian Company "Hajde da". He has been rehearsal assistant of "Harmonicum Accordion | Act l" by Lazaro Godoy, GodoyPradera Projects.

Mario Prisuelos
November 2-4, 2016

Master Class Student Performances:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOhvh_AKNVA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr0xh37Ou5M&t=39s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiyPu8pW5Ro&t=6s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoAwBxZuAIo

Mario Prisuelos and CEC Director Maribel Zubieta-Diaz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwfIc6cyoKk

Born in Madrid, Mario Prisuelos studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music, then trained further in Vienna under the direction of Leonid Brumberg, subsequently finishing in Madrid with Humberto Quagliata, thus continuing in the piano tradition of the great maestros like Alfred Cortot, Claudio Arrau or Arthur Rubinstein. He also received counsel from Phillip Dyson, Andrzej Jasinski and Alicia de Larrocha.

He was launched internationally at the Feuchtwangen Piano Festival in the acclaimed Musikzauber Franken in Germany, where the critics praised his great talent and forceful power of communication. He then embarked on intense activity in recitals, as orchestral soloist or in chamber groups, with debuts in halls in Vienna, Milan, Paris, London, Florence, Rio de Janeiro, New York, and Miami, among other cities.

He has made recordings with the Verso label, Sonoris, RTVE and Hrvatski Croatian Radio among others. His interest in innovative programming is exemplified in his production “Spanish Piano Music: from the Baroque to the present”, a CD recorded for Verso and introduced on concert tour in Central America and the United States.

His commitment to the musical creation of his time is fundamental, with the performance around the world of works, often dedicated to him, by such composers as David del Puerto, Jesús Torres, Jesús Rueda, Mario Carro, Alberto Carretero, NUría Núñez, Jesús Navarro, etc., premiered at both concerts and in recordings, particularly those for Spanish Television. He is a member of the duo Studio Inverso and of the SequenceSax Group, and has collaborated with musicians such as Guillermo Pastrana, José Franch-Ballester or the group Neopercusión.

Mario Prisuelos is considered one of the most relevant pianists of his generation, as stated by the critics, as demonstrated by his concerts and confirmed by his enormous European and American activity. He recently completed an extensive tour in the United States, debuting in New York’s Carnegie Hall, together with concerts among others in the National Auditorium in Madrid, IRCAM in Paris or at Zagreb Music Academy.

He is called on frequently to impart master classes at various teaching centres and universities in Europe and America (Princeton University, William Patterson University, Florida International University, the University of Costa Rica, etc.)

In 2015 Universal Music released the cd “Adalid: the romantic piano” in his first collaboration with the prestigious label. On November 7, 2014, Prisuelos performed works by Adalid, Soler, and Granados at the Rosita Segovia Theatre at Conchita Espinosa Academy.

Cameron Basden
Dance Director, Educator, Repetiteur, Gerald Arpino and Robert Joffrey Foundation
October 9, 2015

Ms. Basden has had a career in dance spanning more than thirty years. She brings passion and spirit to her art, as well as a keen sense of organization and integrity to the projects she undertakes. She served as Ballet Master and Co-Associate Director of The Joffrey Ballet from 1993-2008 and Director of Dance at Interlochen Center for the Arts from 2009-2015. At Interlochen, she grew the division to capacity, developed collaborations, consistently worked with live music, built liaisons with cities world wide and the professional dance community. Ms. Basden stages ballets by Ashton, Cranko, Massine, Nijinsky and Nijinska as well as more contemporary works. She brought to fruition the first Joffrey summer intensive in Chicago leading to the development of the Joffrey Academy. Ms. Basden was a muse for Gerald Arpino in the creation of his ballets. She worked on the PBS filming for their Dance in America series of The Joffrey's production of Billboards, and oversaw the filming and staging of the ballets in Save the Last Dance. As a performer with Joffrey Ballet, Ms. Basden danced in a variety of styles by such choreographers as Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, John Cranko, William Forsythe, Paul Taylor and Twyla Tharp. Roles were created on her by Mark Morris, James Kudelka, Laura Dean and Choo San Goh to name a few. Ms. Basden's television credits include the Dance in America series Homage to Diaghilev and The Search for the Rite of Spring. In 2003 she portrayed herself in Robert Altman's movie, The Company. Ms. Basden serves on the board of The Gerald Arpino and Robert Joffrey Foundation and is the main repetiteur.

Jennifer Kronenberg
May 11, 2015

Jennifer Carlynn Kronenberg was born in Queens, New York where she trained with Teresa Aubel, Nicholas Orloff, Norman Walker, and Barbara Walczack. She continued her studies on scholarship at the School of American Ballet before joining Miami City Ballet as an apprentice in 1994 at the age of 17. She moved steadily through the ranks and was named Principal dancer in 2001. Ms. Kronenberg has danced many leading roles; some of her favorites include Balanchine's "Rubies", Who Cares?, Allegro Brillante, Duo Concertante, Sonatine, Swan Lake, and Stravinsky Violin Concerto, as well as the classics – Grand Pas Classique, Coppélia, Don Quixote, Giselle, and John Cranko's Romeo and Juliet. Ms. Kronenberg has been a regular teacher for the Miami City Ballet Summer Intensive Program for the last several years, and has also been a guest teacher with Ballet Arts of Jackson Tennessee, El Ballet de Monterrey Curso de Verano, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, and Ballet Chicago, among many others. Ms. Kronenberg has staged several variations for the CEC dancers, including "Le Corsaire" (Medora) in 2014. Also, in 2014, Ms. Kronenberg choreographed "Facets," an original piece for the Conchita Espinosa Conservatory Youth Ballet Company, which debuted in their performance Youth X 3 at New World School of the Arts in March 2015.

Michael Spencer Phillips
December 15, 2015

Mr. Phillips is a graduate of the University of Michigan (BFA, Dance) where he was also a member of the Peter Sparling Dance Company. He attended the Merce Cunningham School on scholarship and performed in the Cunningham Repertory Group. Other performance credits: New York City Opera, Battleworks Dance Company, Jennifer Muller/The Works, Risa Jaraslow and Dancers, and an apprenticeship with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. Mr. Phillips is a teaching artist with RIOULT's DanceREACH program and has had the privilege to restage Mr. Rioult's work. He joined RIOULT Dance NY as a dancer in 2002, is co-founder of RIOULT Circle, and began teaching for DanceREACH in 2007.

During the 2015 Danza en España trip, dancers visited Amor de Dios, where they took class with Cristobal Reyes. In addition, they atended a lecture by Joaquin San Juan, director of Amor de Dios and had a meet and greet with Pacita Tomas.

http://www.amordedios.com/webad/El%20centro/historia.htm

http://www.amordedios.com/webad/Maestros/CRISTOBALREYES.htm

CRISTÓBAL REYES FLORES
Flamenco, Amor de Dios

Cristóbal Reyes was born in Córdoba, Spain in 1949 to a gypsy family of recognized and talented artists, among them his nephew, Joaquin Cortés.  From a young age, Reyes dedicated his life to flamenco. He began his professional career in various tablaos in Madrid, and later formed part of the Manuela Vargas and Antonio Ruiz dance companies. In the 1970’s and 80’s, Reyes continued to develop as an artist and was involved in many prestigious productions as director and choreographer, such as Cumbre Flamenca (Madrid, 1985), which was his most important work. Reyes was artistic director for the famous tablao, Zambra, in Madrid, where he directed many of the great figures of flamenco, including Javier Baron, Joaquín Ruiz and Juana Amaya, among others. In 1992, he created the show Cinco Bailaores, in which he starred alongside Antonio Canales, Joaquín Cortés, Adrian Galia and Joaquín Grilo. Cinco Bailaores became notorious in the world of flamenco for presenting a cast comprised of the five male dancers who would eventually form the basis of what is now contemporary flamenco.

Reyes eventually formed his own company, Flamenco Progresivo, with which he toured nationally and internationally. In 2000, Reyes created the company, Pura Pasión, produced by his nephew Joaquín Cortés. Pura Pasión included such top female flamenco dancers as, Rafaela Carrasco, Belen Maya, Maria Juncal, Carmen La Talegona and Olga Pericet, who are considered the references of modern flamenco today. After 2000, Reyes collaborated with  Cortés once more as the choreogreapher for the productions Pasión Gitana and El Amor y el Odio. Cristóbal Reyes is one of the most popular and respected master teachers of flamenco in Amor de Dios (Madrid), the school which has trained many of the current stars of flamenco. He teaches students from around the world with a unique style and innovative technique, and gives master classes and seminars, incorporating ballet and modern dance techniques in the traditional flamenco. In addition to his work as a teacher, Reyes is the director, choreographer, and dancer for Compañía de Flamenco Cristóbal Reyes.

CRISTÓBAL REYES FLORES – Flamenco, Amor de Dios
Córdoba (España), 1949

Cristóbal Reyes es un bailaor y coreógrafo de flamenco español. Es hijo de una familia gitana de reconocidos y talentosos artistas entre los que se cuenta a su sobrino Joaquín Cortés. Desde muy pequeño Reyes dedica su vida al baile flamenco iniciando su carrera profesional en reconocidos tablaos de Madrid para después formar parte de las compañías de Manuela Vargas yAntonio Ruiz. En los 70 y 80, Cristóbal se desarrolló como solista en espectáculos de gran prestigio en los que desempeñó cargos de director y coreógrafo, siendo Cumbre Flamenca (Madrid, 1985) su trabajo más importante. Cristóbal también es muy conocido por su labor como director artístico del famoso tablao La Zambra en Madrid, donde dirigió a muchas de las grandes figuras del flamenco como Javier Baron, Joaquín Ruiz y Juana Amaya, entre otros. En 1992 creó el espectáculo Cinco Bailaores, protagonizado por Reyes, Antonio Canales, Joaquín Cortés, Adrian Galia y Joaquín Grilo. El espectáculo se convirtió en un emblema de la historia del flamenco en Madrid por presentar un elenco de estrellas que formarían las bases del flamenco contemporáneo.

Reyes también formó su propia compañía, Flamenco Progresivo, con la que realizó numerosas giras alrededor del mundo. En el año 2000, Reyes creó la exitosa compañía Pura Pasión, producida por su sobrino Joaquín Cortés. En esta última, Reyes incluyó a las mejores artistas femeninas del flamenco, muchas de las cuales son ahora la referencia del flamenco moderno como Rafaela Carrasco, Belen Maya, Maria Juncal, Carmen La Talegona y Olga Pericet. Después del 2000, Reyes colaboró de nuevo con Cortés como coreógrafo en los espectáculos Pasión Gitana y El Amor y el Odio.

Cristóbal Reyes es uno de los más distinguidos y populares maestros del baile flamenco en la más prestigiosa academia de flamenco, Amor de Dios, en Madrid, lugar donde ha preparado a muchas de las actuales estrellas del flamenco, además de Cortés. Cristóbal enseña su estilo único y su técnica innovadora a estudiantes de todo el mundo a través de talleres y seminarios donde incorpora técnicas de ballet y baile moderno en la enseñanza del flamenco tradicional.

Además de su labor de enseñanza, Reyes es director, coreógrafo y bailaor de la Compañía de Flamenco Cristóbal Reyes, donde presenta su nuevo espectáculo Las Cosas del Flamenco a entusiastas audiencias en numerosos países.

During the 2015 Danza en España trip, dancers visited Funcación Cristina Hereen in Seville, Spain.

BEATRIZ RIVERO
flamenco, Fundación Cristina Hereen

Beatriz Rivero is a native of Seville, Spain. She studied flamenco at the Seville Conservatory of Dance, and continued her formation at the Fundación Cristina Hereen, under Milagros Mengibar, Javier Barón, and Luisa Palicio, among others. She has also taken master classes with Pastora Galván and Rocío Molina. Ms. Rivero currently teaches at Fundación Cristina Hereen . She has performed in many flamenco productions and festivals, including XXXV Noche Flamenca de Écija, as well as in several tablaos.

BEATRIZ RIVERO
flamenco, Fundación Cristina Hereen, Sevilla (España)

Beatriz Rivero, joven bailaora de Écija (Sevilla). Estudió baile flamenco en el Conservatorio de Danza de Sevilla, siguiendo su formación en la Fundación Cristina Heeren con profesores como Milagros Mengibar, Javier Barón, Luisa Palicio… entre otros maestros y cursos con Pastora Galván, Rocío Molina. Actualmente, auxiliar docente en la Fundación Cristina Heeren. Con actuaciones en distintas peñas flamencas y festivales flamencos como la XXXV Noche Flamenca de Écija, además de tablaos flamencos y Ciclos como Miércoles a Compás.

Belen Rivera

Este libro se centra en la danza tradicional que se enseña en los conservatorios: quien estudia folklore, cuales son los objetivos metodológicos, como se estructuran las clases, la evaluación, el material, las necesidades específicas de cada asigmatura... La enseñanza del Flolklore en los Conservatorios Profesionales de Danza incluye un modelo de programación didáctica para el aprendizaje del Folklore. Belén Rivera Jofré imparte clases en diversos Conservatorios Profesionales de Danza (Córdoba, Sevilla y Cádiz) y obtiene, con el número uno de su promoción, su plaza en el Conservatorios Profesionales de Danza "Antonio Ruiz Soler" de Sevilla. Participa como ponente e imparte cursillos, y charlas pedagógicas en diferentes niveles educativos. A su labor como docente se une la de investigadora de Danza Popular, así como de Didácticas Especiales a través del Doctorado que se encuentra completando.

Eduardo Martinez
Principal Dancer, Ballet Nacional de España
August 31 – September 4, 2015

Eduardo Martinez was born in Madrid in 1983. He began dancing at four years old with Andrés Montemar before commencing his formal studies at the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza in Madrid, where he studied classical Spanish dance, contemporary and ballet. He Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Education and a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.

Mr. Martinez has studied with Antonio Najarro, Aída Gómez, Adrián Galia, Antonio Canales, Carlos Rodríguez, Carmen Cantero, Maribel Gallardo, Rafael Campallo and Emilio Rivas, among others. He participated in the taller coreográfico at the Royal Conservatory coordinated by Ana Lopez, where he interpreted pieces by Mariemma, José Antonio, Antonio Najarro, Malena Mexía, Beatriz Martín, “Contratiempo”, Ricardo Franco, Adrián Galia and Elvira Andrés.

Mr. Martinez’ professional career began in 1998 when he began to dance for the Carmen Cantera Folklore Company as a soloist. In 1999, he collaborated with Antonio Canales’ company in the “Tiempo 2000” performance in Madrid and Barcelona. In 2000, Mr. Martinez played the part of el molinero in Manuel de Falla’s "El Sombrero de Tres Picos", choreographed by José Antonio, in Madrid’s Teatro de La Zarzuela. For three consecutive years he was a guest artist at the Concurso Nacional de Castellón, where he danced “Andaluza” by Carmen Rollán, “Malunó” by José Antonio and “Bolero de 1830” by Mariemma, as an homage to her.

In 2002, Mr. Martinez began his career at Ballet Nacional de España (BNE), after completing his studies in dance and performing arts. In 2005, he was promoted to soloist, under the direction of José Antonio. As a soloist, he danced  “Aires de villa y corte,” by José Antonio y “Seis sonatas para la reina de España,” choreographed by Ángel Pericet. In 2010, Mr. Martinez was promoted to Principal Dancer under the direction of José Antonio.

He has won the first prize in Spanish dance and the Dávalos-Fletcher Award in the Concurso Nacional de Castellón (2002), Special Mention in the VII Concurso Iberoamericano de Danza “Alicia Alonso” for the choreography “Te lo juro yo.” In 2012, Mr. Martinez won First Place in the XXI Certamen de Coreografía de Danza Española y Flamenco for his piece"Camino de vuelta".

EDUARDO MARTÍNEZ - Danza Estilizada, Ballet Nacional de España, Madrid (España), 1983

Comienza sus estudios de danza a los cuatro años con Andrés Montemar, ingresando más tarde en el Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza de Madrid, en donde toma clases de danza española, clásica y contemporánea. Licenciado en Pedagogía de la Danza y Master en Artes Escénicas, por la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.

Ha estudiado con Antonio Najarro, Aída Gómez, Adrián Galia, Antonio Canales, Carlos Rodríguez, Carmen Cantero, Maribel Gallardo, Rafael Campallo y Emilio Rivas, entre otros. Participa en el Taller Coreográfico del Real Conservatorio bajo la coordinación de Ana López e interpreta coreografías de Mariemma, José Antonio, Antonio Najarro, Malena Mexía, Beatriz Martín, “Contratiempo”, Ricardo Franco, Adrián Galia y Elvira Andrés.

Comienza profesionalmente en 1998 con la Compañía folclórica de Carmen Cantero, realizando papeles solistas y, un año más tarde, colabora con la Compañía de Antonio Canales en el espectáculo "Tiempo 2000", en Madrid y Barcelona. En 2000, interpreta el papel de molinero en la coreografía de "El sombrero de tres Picos", de José Antonio, en el Teatro de La Zarzuela. Durante tres años consecutivos es invitado a la gala del Concurso Nacional de Castellón con las coreografías “Andaluza” de Carmen Rollán, “Malunó” de José Antonio y “Bolero de 1830” de Mariemma, como homenaje a ella.

Ingresa en el Ballet Nacional de España (BNE) en 2002, tras finalizar sus estudios de danza, y asciende en 2005 a la categoría de solista del BNE, bajo la dirección de José Antonio. Realiza papeles de primer bailarín en las coreografías “Aires de villa y corte “ de José Antonio y “Seis sonatas para la reina de España” de Ángel Pericet. En 2010, asciende a la categoría de primer bailarín del BNE, bajo la dirección de José Antonio.

Ha obtenido el Primer Premio de danza española y el Premio Dávalos-Fletcher en el Concurso Nacional de Castellón (2002), asimismo ha sido premiado con la Mención especial en el VII Concurso Iberoamericano de Danza “Alicia Alonso” por la coreografía “Te lo juro yo”. En 2012, obtiene el Primer Premio del XXI Certamen de Coreografía de Danza Española y Flamenco con la pieza "Camino de vuelta".

During the 2015 Danza en España trip, dancers had the opportunity to visit the Ballet Nacional de España headquarters. In addition to watching an official rehearsal, dancers took at 3-hour master class with principal dancer, Eduardo Martinez.

Eduardo Martinez
Principal Dancer, Ballet Nacional de España
August 31 – September 4, 2015

Eduardo Martinez was born in Madrid in 1983. He began dancing at four years old with Andrés Montemar before commencing his formal studies at the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza in Madrid, where he studied classical Spanish dance, contemporary and ballet. He Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Education and a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.

Mr. Martinez has studied with Antonio Najarro, Aída Gómez, Adrián Galia, Antonio Canales, Carlos Rodríguez, Carmen Cantero, Maribel Gallardo, Rafael Campallo and Emilio Rivas, among others. He participated in the taller coreográfico at the Royal Conservatory coordinated by Ana Lopez, where he interpreted pieces by Mariemma, José Antonio, Antonio Najarro, Malena Mexía, Beatriz Martín, “Contratiempo”, Ricardo Franco, Adrián Galia and Elvira Andrés.

Mr. Martinez’ professional career began in 1998 when he began to dance for the Carmen Cantera Folklore Company as a soloist. In 1999, he collaborated with Antonio Canales’ company in the “Tiempo 2000” performance in Madrid and Barcelona. In 2000, Mr. Martinez played the part of el molinero in Manuel de Falla’s "El Sombrero de Tres Picos", choreographed by José Antonio, in Madrid’s Teatro de La Zarzuela. For three consecutive years he was a guest artist at the Concurso Nacional de Castellón, where he danced “Andaluza” by Carmen Rollán, “Malunó” by José Antonio and “Bolero de 1830” by Mariemma, as an homage to her.

In 2002, Mr. Martinez began his career at Ballet Nacional de España (BNE), after completing his studies in dance and performing arts. In 2005, he was promoted to soloist, under the direction of José Antonio. As a soloist, he danced  “Aires de villa y corte,” by José Antonio y “Seis sonatas para la reina de España,” choreographed by Ángel Pericet. In 2010, Mr. Martinez was promoted to Principal Dancer under the direction of José Antonio.

He has won the first prize in Spanish dance and the Dávalos-Fletcher Award in the Concurso Nacional de Castellón (2002), Special Mention in the VII Concurso Iberoamericano de Danza “Alicia Alonso” for the choreography “Te lo juro yo.” In 2012, Mr. Martinez won First Place in the XXI Certamen de Coreografía de Danza Española y Flamenco for his piece"Camino de vuelta".

EDUARDO MARTÍNEZ - Danza Estilizada, Ballet Nacional de España, Madrid (España), 1983

Comienza sus estudios de danza a los cuatro años con Andrés Montemar, ingresando más tarde en el Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza de Madrid, en donde toma clases de danza española, clásica y contemporánea. Licenciado en Pedagogía de la Danza y Master en Artes Escénicas, por la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.

Ha estudiado con Antonio Najarro, Aída Gómez, Adrián Galia, Antonio Canales, Carlos Rodríguez, Carmen Cantero, Maribel Gallardo, Rafael Campallo y Emilio Rivas, entre otros. Participa en el Taller Coreográfico del Real Conservatorio bajo la coordinación de Ana López e interpreta coreografías de Mariemma, José Antonio, Antonio Najarro, Malena Mexía, Beatriz Martín, “Contratiempo”, Ricardo Franco, Adrián Galia y Elvira Andrés.

Comienza profesionalmente en 1998 con la Compañía folclórica de Carmen Cantero, realizando papeles solistas y, un año más tarde, colabora con la Compañía de Antonio Canales en el espectáculo "Tiempo 2000", en Madrid y Barcelona. En 2000, interpreta el papel de molinero en la coreografía de "El sombrero de tres Picos", de José Antonio, en el Teatro de La Zarzuela. Durante tres años consecutivos es invitado a la gala del Concurso Nacional de Castellón con las coreografías “Andaluza” de Carmen Rollán, “Malunó” de José Antonio y “Bolero de 1830” de Mariemma, como homenaje a ella.

Ingresa en el Ballet Nacional de España (BNE) en 2002, tras finalizar sus estudios de danza, y asciende en 2005 a la categoría de solista del BNE, bajo la dirección de José Antonio. Realiza papeles de primer bailarín en las coreografías “Aires de villa y corte “ de José Antonio y “Seis sonatas para la reina de España” de Ángel Pericet. En 2010, asciende a la categoría de primer bailarín del BNE, bajo la dirección de José Antonio.

Ha obtenido el Primer Premio de danza española y el Premio Dávalos-Fletcher en el Concurso Nacional de Castellón (2002), asimismo ha sido premiado con la Mención especial en el VII Concurso Iberoamericano de Danza “Alicia Alonso” por la coreografía “Te lo juro yo”. En 2012, obtiene el Primer Premio del XXI Certamen de Coreografía de Danza Española y Flamenco con la pieza "Camino de vuelta".

During the 2015 Danza en España trip, dancers had the opportunity to visit the Carmen Amaya Professional Conservatory in Madrid, Spain and take an Escuela Bolera class with Mar Lopez.

Mar Lopez
March 2015

Mar Lopez graduated with a professional degree in Spanish dance with honors from the Conservatorio Superior de Música and Escuela de Arte Dramático y Danza in Murcia at age 14. At 18, she graduated from the Real Escuela de Arte Dramático y Danza in Madrid with honors. Since then, she has continued her studies with renowned professors, including Rosa Naranjo, Ana Baselga, Lola Grande, Carmen Roche, Mariemma, Paco Romero, Betty, Goyo Montero, María Magdalena, Paco Fernández, Merche Esmeralda, Ciro, Carmen Cortés, Adrián Galia, Pedro Azorín, and Juanjo Linares, among others.

She has danced with the Ballet Español de María Rosa, Ballet Español Paco Romero, Compañia de Danza Flamenca Carmen Cortés, Cruceta Ballet Flamenco, Ballet Español de Yoko Komatsubara, Ballet Español Danzadas, and Malucos Flamencos.  Some of the repertory Ms. López has danced, choreographed by Antonio, include “Paso a Cuatro,” “Allegro de Concierto,” “Casada Infiel,” and “Amor Brujo” (as the role of Candela).

Ms. López also has a degree in History from the Complutense University of Madrid, as well as a degree in Dance Pedagogy, specializing in choreography and interpretation technique.

Ms. Lopez has been a faculty member of the Conservatorio Profesional “Carmen Amaya” in Madrid since 2003. She is also a member of the administrative board, and currently holds the position of Vice-President.

Most recently, Ms. López has performed in Bodas de Sangre by Antonio (Teatro del Arena, Madrid, 2008), “La Escuela Bolera: Ilustrados y Castizos,” choreographed by Rafael Alarcón (Museo del Traje, Madrid, 2008), La del manojo de Rosas, (Teatro Campoamor, Oviedo and Teatro Arriaga, Bilbao, 2009), Doña Francisquita, (Teatro de la Opera, Toulouse, France, 2014), both choreographed by Goyo Montero and directed by Emlio Sagi. With Malucos Flamenco, she performed “Nanos para despertar,” “Farandula,” and “The Spanish Trip” (2009-2010), choreographed by Carlos Chamorro. In 2012 Ms. López was the assistant choreographer for Antonio’s “Paso a cuatro” for Ballet Nacional de España’s production of Clásicos de la Danza Española, directed by Antonio Najarro. Ms. López has taught master classes and workshops in the following conservatories: Conservatorio Profesional de Danza “Kina Jimenez” (Almería), Conservatorio Profesional de Danza “Reina Sofia” (Granada), Institut del Teatre (Barcelona), and Escuela Profesional de Danza de Castilla y Leon.

MAR LÓPEZ
Escuela Bolera, Conservatorio Carmen Amaya
Vitoria (España), 1979

Se presenta Mar López como joven bailarina e incipiente coreógrafa de la danza contemporánea que se hace en nuestro país. Comenzó a estudiarla en Gijón, continuando posteriormente su formación en Madrid en la escuela de danza de Carmen Senra, donde es profesora invitada en la actualidad. Además, ha finalizado sus estudios en el Grado Superior de Danza en Madrid. Como bailarina lleva varios años trabajando en agrupaciones como la Compañía Infantil Marta de la Vega, la Ligne Folle, dirigida por Madelyne Reant donde realiza además labores de asistencia a la dirección, 10&10 Danza, donde permaneció tres años; en la premiada 13 Rosas, producción de la compañía Arrieritos; con Carmen Werner, directora de Provisional Danza, con quien ha colaborado en Bexiños, En tierra y la ópera Macbeth, y en la agrupación de Daniel Abreu donde ha trabajado en los montajes En la espalda e Invierno. Como coreógrafa firma las  obras De bellas y bestias, A 2 centímetros del suelo, seleccionada para la Red de Teatros Alternativos, Aerowaves 2010 y el festival Ellas Crean 2010 y creada junto a la también bailarina y creadora Anuska Alonso, Dicen las paredes, Coordenada cero,premiada el XXIII Certamen Coreográfico de Madrid y Elisewin (2011). Mar López es directora de la compañía Nabeirarrúa Danza. 

Mario Prisuelos
November 6-7, 2015

Born in Madrid, Mario Prisuelos studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music, then trained further in Vienna under the direction of Leonid Brumberg, subsequently finishing in Madrid with Humberto Quagliata, thus continuing in the piano tradition of the great maestros like Alfred Cortot, Claudio Arrau or Arthur Rubinstein. He also received counsel from Phillip Dyson, Andrzej Jasinski and Alicia de Larrocha.

He was launched internationally at the Feuchtwangen Piano Festival in the acclaimed Musikzauber Franken in Germany, where the critics praised his great talent and forceful power of communication. He then embarked on intense activity in recitals, as orchestral soloist or in chamber groups, with debuts in halls in Vienna, Milan, Paris, London, Florence, Rio de Janeiro, New York, and Miami, among other cities.

He has made recordings with the Verso label, Sonoris, RTVE and Hrvatski Croatian Radio among others. His interest in innovative programming is exemplified in his production “Spanish Piano Music: from the Baroque to the present”, a CD recorded for Verso and introduced on concert tour in Central America and the United States.

His commitment to the musical creation of his time is fundamental, with the performance around the world of works, often dedicated to him, by such composers as David del Puerto, Jesús Torres, Jesús Rueda, Mario Carro, Alberto Carretero, NUría Núñez, Jesús Navarro, etc., premiered at both concerts and in recordings, particularly those for Spanish Television. He is a member of the duo Studio Inverso and of the SequenceSax Group, and has collaborated with musicians such as Guillermo Pastrana, José Franch-Ballester or the group Neopercusión.

Mario Prisuelos is considered one of the most relevant pianists of his generation, as stated by the critics, as demonstrated by his concerts and confirmed by his enormous European and American activity. He recently completed an extensive tour in the United States, debuting in New York’s Carnegie Hall, together with concerts among others in the National Auditorium in Madrid, IRCAM in Paris or at Zagreb Music Academy.

He is called on frequently to impart master classes at various teaching centres and universities in Europe and America (Princeton University, William Patterson University, Florida International University, the University of Costa Rica, etc.)

In 2015 Universal Music released the cd “Adalid: the romantic piano” in his first collaboration with the prestigious label. On November 7, 2014, Prisuelos performed works by Adalid, Soler, and Granados at the Rosita Segovia Theatre at Conchita Espinosa Academy.

Carlos Guerra
March 16, 2014

A native of Cuba, Mr. Guerra began his training at age 10 at the Professional School of Ballet and Plastic Arts in Camaguey, Cuba. In 1996 he joined the Professional Ballet Company of Camaguey as a principal dancer and performed in such works as Swan Lake, Giselle, Carmen, Romeo and Juliet, and Coppélia, among others. He was invited to dance as a soloist for the Ballet Company of Santiago in Chile in 1998 and was a principal dancer for two years. He participated in the International Festival of Ballet in Havana, Cuba and the International Latin Gala in Asuncion, Paraguay. Mr. Guerra was awarded first prize in the Provincial Contest at the School of Ballet in Camaguey in 1995. He also received honorable mention in 1996 at the International Ballet Competition in Havana. He was named principal dancer with Miami City Ballet in 2003 and performs most of the lead male roles, including a great variety of Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Twyla Tharp works. He has recently performed with the company at the Vail International Dance Festival, and the NYC City Center's Fall for Dance series of performances. He was also featured in Miami City Ballet's debut on PBS's Great Performances "Dance in America: Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine and Tharp". Mr. Guerra has taught regularly for the Miami City Ballet School Summer Intensive, as well as teaching as a guest for El Curso del Verano de Ballet Monterrey in Mexico, Ballet Arts in Jackson, Tennessee, and The Naples Dance Conservatory, among others. He is proud to have been featured in numerous magazines including Selecta, Ocean Drive, and Complot, and was named one of the 100 most important people in Florida by Florida International Magazine in 2005. In 2010, he was named one of the top ten creatively influential people in South Florida by The Miami New Times.

Doreen Cafarella
January 17, 2014

Doreen Cafarella has been a dance educator for twenty-five years. In 1986, Ms. Cafarella founded Northern Ballet Theatre Dance Center in New Hampshire that has gained a reputation for excellence in dance training. Students of Ms. Cafarella have gone on to dance with companies such as Boston Ballet, Ballet West and Joffrey Ballet to name a few. Ms. Cafarella has danced with notable companies such as Boston Ballet, New England Ballet, Boston Repertory Ballet, Atlantic Ballet and Ballet Arts Ensemble. Her teaching credits include: Northern Ballet Theatre Dance Center, The Boston Conservatory of Music and Dance, The Edra Toth School of Ballet and Ballet Arts Academy. Miss Cafarella is the former Artistic Director of the Northern Ballet Theatre and had danced with such notable companies as Boston Ballet, New England Ballet, Boston Repertory Ballet, Atlantic Ballet, and Ballet Arts Ensemble. She will be teaching a technique class.

Gerard Ebitz
October 4, 2013

Gerard Ebitz danced professionally with the New York City Ballet and was a founding member of Miami City Ballet. He was a principle dancer with the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Zurich Ballet. Mr. Ebitz has received world-recognition for his choreography and teaching and has been on the faculty of NWSA since 1988.

Jennifer Kronenberg
March 16, 2014

Jennifer Carlynn Kronenberg was born in Queens, New York where she trained with Teresa Aubel, Nicholas Orloff, Norman Walker, and Barbara Walczack. She continued her studies on scholarship at the School of American Ballet before joining Miami City Ballet as an apprentice in 1994 at the age of 17. She moved steadily through the ranks and was named Principal dancer in 2001. Ms. Kronenberg has danced many leading roles; some of her favorites include Balanchine's "Rubies", Who Cares?, Allegro Brillante, Duo Concertante, Sonatine, Swan Lake, and Stravinsky Violin Concerto, as well as the classics – Grand Pas Classique, Coppélia, Don Quixote, Giselle, and John Cranko's Romeo and Juliet. Ms. Kronenberg has been a regular teacher for the Miami City Ballet Summer Intensive Program for the last several years, and has also been a guest teacher with Ballet Arts of Jackson Tennessee, El Ballet de Monterrey Curso de Verano, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, and Ballet Chicago, among many others. Ms. Kronenberg has staged several variations for the CEC dancers, including "Le Corsaire" (Medora) in 2014. Also, in 2014, Ms. Kronenberg choreographed "Facets," an original piece for the Conchita Espinosa Conservatory Youth Ballet Company, which debuted in their performance Youth X 3 at New World School of the Arts in March 2015.

Paul Thrussell
February 28, 2014

Paul Thrussell, who trained at the Royal Ballet School, has danced Northern Ballet Theatre, and was a principal dancer for London City Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Milwaukee Ballet. He has had the privilege of performing for Queen Elizabeth, and Diana, the Princess of Wales, during his time with London City Ballet. As a principal dancer he performed numerous leading roles with choreography by Balanchine, McMillan, Cranko, Nacho Duato, Mark Morris, Paul Taylor and Rudi Van Dantzig. Paul has had works created on him by Twyla Tharp, Mark Godden, Christopher Wheeldon and Daniel Pelzig. In 1996 he danced at Vail's International Dance Festival and that same year The Boston Globe named Paul in their list of Boston's Top 10 of Dance. He re-staged Christopher Wheeldon's Corybantic Ecstasies on Boston Ballet, and was a member of the faculty of Boston Ballet's Summer Dance Program. Paul has taught master classes at Tulane University, The Boston Conservatory, Boston Ballet, Walnut Hill School and Boston College. Mr. Thrussell joined Ballet Gammonet in August 2004.

Josu Okiñena
October 23-27, 2014

Josu Okiñena (b. San Sebastián, 1971) divides his professional life between teaching and performing, taking a multidisciplinary and scientific approach to all areas of his career. He is currently Research Coordinator at Musikene, the Higher School of Music of the Basque Country, and has been awarded a doctorate by the University of Valladolid.

Having won first prizes at the San Sebastián Conservatory for both piano and chamber music, he went on to study with Félix Lavilla. He also won the principal end-of-course prize at the Madrid Conservatory, and in Santiago de Compostela was presented with the Andrés Segovia and José Miguel Ruiz Morales prize for performance of Spanish music.

He continued his studies at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, working with Oxana Yablonskaya, and in London, where he took part in masterclasses given by such esteemed musicians as Krystian Zimerman, Bruno Leonardo Gelber and Ivo Pogorelich. He also took regular classes over a period of five years with Maria Curcio, herself a pupil of the legendary pianist Artur Schnabel. Having assimilated all these influences and combined them so as to create his own highly personal style, now admired in concert halls the world over, Josu Okiñena returned to San Sebastián and became involved in the establishment of Musikene in 2001, taking on a teaching role there.He has also taught postgraduate courses at various universities in Spain, Argentina, Cuba and Bolivia, as well as taking part in music research seminars at the Orpheus Institute in Ghent.Josu Okiñena has appeared at some of the world’s most prestigious venues and taken part in a number of international festivals, performing with renowned orchestras. In 2006, as part of his commitment to contemporary music – particularly that of his compatriots – he gave the premiere of Ignacio Tellería’s Piano Concerto with the Basque National Orchestra.He has made several albums, notably the complete works for voice and piano by Félix Lavilla, recorded with Cecilia Lavilla Berganza, and the complete works for voice and piano of Padre Donostia, recorded with Almudena Ortega.

In March 2011 he was awarded the research prize of the Universidad del País Vasco and the Orfeón Donostiarra for his thesis on Padre Donostia entitled “Autopoietic communication, a basis for musical performance, with reference to the works for voice and piano of José Antonio Donostia”.Josu Okiñena has played concerts and has given scientific lectures at the University of Florida, University of Warsaw and has participated in the International Congress of Papyrology in Warsaw among others, and he has played in several international festivals.

Gerard Ebitz
October 4, 2013

Gerard Ebitz danced professionally with the New York City Ballet and was a founding member of Miami City Ballet. He was a principle dancer with the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Zurich Ballet. Mr. Ebitz has received world-recognition for his choreography and teaching and has been on the faculty of NWSA since 1988.

Jose Carreño and Melanie Hamrick
April 20-21, 2013

Melanie Hamrick

Melanie Hamrick was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she began her ballet training at Eastern Virginia School of the Performing Arts continuing on to the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington D.C. After attending the summer program of American Ballet Theater she was asked to join ABT's Studio Company in 2003. She then became a member of the company in April 2004. Hamrick has danced many roles in ballets including Apollo, La Bayadere, Don Quixote, Moyna in Giselle to name a few.

Jose Carreño

Mr. Carreño was born in Cuba to a family with an established tradition of classical dance; José was just ten when he began studying with Alicia Alonso, Lázaro Carreño and Loipa Araujo. He trained at the Provincial and National Ballet Schools in Cuba, and immediately joined the National Ballet of Cuba where he soon became an established favorite among Cuban dance cognoscenti.

José Carreño won the prestigious Gold Medal in the New York International Ballet Competition (1987) and was later awarded the coveted Grand Prize at the Jackson Mississippi Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi, (1990) from which he accepted an invitation of Ivan Nagy to join English National Ballet as a Principal Dancer. In 1993 Sir Anthony Dowell (Director of England’s Royal Ballet) invited Carreño to become a principal dancer with Royal Ballet. He delighted and astonished audiences with the depth of his interpretation and technical flair in virtuoso roles in Don Quixote, Aston’s Midsummer Night Dream and the Sleeping Beauty.

In 1995 Carreño was invited by American Ballet Theatre’s artistic Director, Kevin Mckenzie to join American Ballet Theatre as Principal dancer. At ABT Carreño further expanded his repertory to include roles as diverse as Balanchine’s Apollo, Theme and Variations, Prodigal Son, Symphony and C, Afternoon of the Faun, Danilo in The Merry Widow, Frank in Coppelia, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Prince Desire in Sleeping Beauty, Solor in La Bayadere, Albrecht in Giselle and Don José in Carmen among others.

Carreño has danced with most of the great ballerinas of recent years, including Alicia Alonso, Carla Fracci, Alessandra Ferri, Viviana Durante, Nina Ananiashvili, Susan Jaffe, Julie Kent, Diana Vishneva, Svetlana Zakharova, Alina Cojocaru, and Tamara Rojo. Carreño has danced many works by Jerome Robbins, Roland Petite, and George Balanchine. He has also worked with some of today’s greatest choreographers such as Twyla Tharp, Mark Morris, Jiri Kylian, Boris Eifman, Nacho Duato, Alexei Ratmanksy, and Christopher Wheeldon, and all regard him as an outstanding interpreter of their choreography.

Carreño is an acclaimed Guest artist around the world dancing in Galas and with companies such as Bolshoi Ballet, Kirov Ballet, Royal Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Tokyo Ballet, Berlin Staatsopera Ballet, Teatro Alla Scala, Opera di Roma, National Ballet of Canada, Teatro Colón (Argentina), Teatro Municipal de Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), and Ballet de Monterrey (Mexico).

José Carreño was nominated for a dance ‘Oscar’ as one of the world’s supreme male classical soloists of the new Millennium (Monte Carlo 2000) and Dance Magazine awarded him as the Male Dancer of the year in 2005. Carreño was a Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre and now he is a Guest artist starring around the world. In the fall of 2011 José became a member of the Board of Directors for Youth America Grand Prix.

Maria Teresa del Real
November 15, 2013

Barre and "Bluebird Variation" from Sleeping Beauty

Maria Teresa del Real was born in Miami, Florida. As a young dancer she won a bronze medal at the Varna International Ballet competition in Bulgaria, considered the Ballet Olympics at the time. She became the first American to win a medal at an international ballet competition in almost ten years. During her illustrious career she had the privilege of partnering dancers such as Rudolf Nureyev, Fernando Bujones, Jose Manuel Carreno and Carlos Acosta, among others, and has performed leading roles in many major ballets, including Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, and Sleeping Beauty. She held the position of prima ballerina with Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, Royal Ballet of Flanders and English National Ballet.

Gerard Ebitz
October 4, 2013

Gerard Ebitz danced professionally with the New York City Ballet and was a founding member of Miami City Ballet. He was a principle dancer with the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Zurich Ballet. Mr. Ebitz has received world-recognition for his choreography and teaching and has been on the faculty of NWSA since 1988.