Christmas Dance Gala Nexus Company

  Friday, December 27
  7:30 p.m. (90 min., with intermission)
  €26, €30, €32
MUN Theater

Aitor Arrieta, Lead Principal Dancer of the English National Ballet, Juanjo Carazo, dancer with the Compañía Nacional de Danza, and Daniel Vicandi, former professional dancer, present the third edition of the Nexus Company Christmas Dance Gala, following the success of the previous two editions, bringing together some of the most outstanding dancers on the international scene.

Olga Somocueto and Óscar Alonso, from the Nuremberg Ballet, participate with a combination of contemporary and neoclassical choreographies, bringing their particular style to the evening: the pas de deux called Monteverdi, which belongs to the piece 'Desde Otello' by Goyo Montero, and the Spanish premiere of 'Visceral', a piece by Óscar Alonso and Sophie Antoine themselves.

Mario Galindo and Bárbara Verdasco, rising stars of the National Dance Company, will delight audiences with performances of classical ballet, including the iconic "Giselle" and the passionate pas de deux from "Talismán."

From Uruguay, Ciro Tamayo, principal dancer with the Sodre National Ballet, and Ariele Gomes, former soloist with the same company, will give a vibrant performance of the pas de deux from "Le Corsaire." In addition, Ciro will perform the energetic solo "Gopak," while Ariele will present the moving choreography "Um desejo, uma pergunta, uma saudade, uma vontade."

The annual Spanish dance performance will be led by Albert Hernández and Irene Tena, former dancers with the Spanish National Ballet, who will bring the flamenco characteristic of the Nexus Galas. They will perform "Amor mojado en sal" (Love dipped in salt), a piece featuring the emblematic bata de cola (tailcoat), and the exciting paso a dos from "Afanador."

ARTISTIC CREDITS

Artistic direction:
Aitor Arrieta
Juanjo Carazo
Daniel Vicandi

Guest artists:
Olga G. Somocueto (Soloist, Nuremberg Ballet)
Óscar Alonso (Principal, Nuremberg Ballet)
Mario Galindo (Soloist, National Dance Company)
Bárbara Verdasco (National Dance Company)
Ciro Tamayo (Principal, Sodre National Ballet)
Ariele Gomes (Former Soloist, Sodre National Ballet)
Irene Tena (Former Principal Dancer, Spanish National Ballet)
Albert Hernández (Former Dancer, Spanish National Ballet)

GALA PROGRAM

Afanador
Paso a dos
Choreography courtesy of the Spanish National Ballet
Choreography: Marcos Morau and the collaboration of the dancers
Music: Juan Cristobal Saavedra, "La humedad del mundo" Niño de Elche
Dancers: Albert Hernández and Irene Tena.

Inspired and fascinated by the books Ángel Gitano and MilBesos, I couldn't just copy such beauty. Ruven Afanador's masterful photo shoots in Andalusia are unrepeatable: the alchemy that took place there between the photographer and charismatic figures such as Israel Galván, Matilde Coral, Eva Yerbabuena, José Antonio, and Rubén Olmo himself is unrepeatable. My journey begins where those sessions end, and when I finish dreaming about them. Afanador blossoms in the tension between the fascination that emanates from Ruven Afanador's photos and my own fascination with all the mystery, so daytime and yet so nighttime, that once fascinated Ruven. Marcos Morau

Giselle
Paso a dos
Choreography: Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
Dancers: Mario Galindo and Bárbara Verdasco
Music: Adolphe Adam

A masterpiece of romantic ballet, Giselle tells the tragic story of a young peasant girl who, after being betrayed, transforms into a vengeful spirit. The choreography, full of grace and drama, focuses on the expression of unconditional love and sacrifice.

Visceral
Paso a dos
Choreographers: Óscar Alonso and Sophie Antoine
Dancers: Óscar Alonso and Olga G. Somocueto
Music: “Ur Is Ka Ha So” by Folket Bortafor Nordavinder
Costume design: Angelo Alberto

Visceral explores the emotions that arise from the gut, sensations that emerge without warning and move us deeply. Like an uncontrollable roar that shakes the body and mind, it confronts us with our most primitive selves, releasing strength and vitality. It is a journey to the deepest depths, where each impulse reveals and transforms us, leaving us in pure connection with our most visceral essence.

Le Corsaire
Pas de deux from L'Esclave
Choreography: Marius Petipa
Dancers: Ciro Tamayo and Ariele Gomes
Music: Adolphe Ada

A vibrant and passionate interpretation of the classic Le Corsaire, this pas de deux stands out for its demanding technique and its ability to capture the intensity of the story. The dancers explore themes of freedom, courage, and love through powerful and expressive movements.

From Otello
Monteverdi Duo
Choreography: Goyo Montero.
Dancers: Óscar Alonso and Olga G. Somocueto.
Music: Claudio Monteverdi, John Dowland, Giuseppe Verdi, István Márta

Inspired by Shakespeare's tragedy, this piece explores the dark recesses of love, jealousy, and betrayal. With intense and dramatic movements, the choreography captures the protagonist's inner struggle, offering a visceral interpretation of the classic story of Otello.

Carmen
Solo
Choreography: Roland Petit
Dancer: Ariele Gómes
Music: Georges Bizet

This ballet is based on Georges Bizet's famous opera, which tells the story of a strong, independent woman who defies social norms. The choreography blends classical and contemporary dance, reflecting the complexities of love, jealousy, and the search for freedom. As Carmen seduces Don José, her desire for independence leads her to a tragic end. This ballet becomes a powerful symbol of female liberation, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Bizet's vibrant music resonates with every emotion, making Carmen a timeless classic in the dance repertoire.

Amor mojado en sal (Love dipped in salt)
Paso a dos (Pas de deux)
Choreography: Albert Hernández, Irene Tena
Music: No sabe el mar que es domingo (The sea doesn't know it's Sunday ) by Mayte Martín, Canta la guitarra (The guitar sings ) by Pepe Habichuela, Original composition by Dani Tejedor, Voice by Saray Muñoz Barrul
Dancers: Albert Hernández, Irene Tena

Flamenco comes to life in Amor mojado en sal, where the dancer wears the iconic bata de cola in a performance that combines strength and delicacy. Afanador's paso a dos complements this passionate expression of Spanish art, with a choreographic dialogue that exalts rhythm, feeling, and the connection between the performers.

Talisman
Pas de deux
Choreography: Marius Petipa
Dancers: Mario Galindo and Bárbara Verdasco
Music: Cesare Pugni

The pas de deux from Talisman is a display of virtuosity and elegance, highlighting the technical skill and beauty of classical ballet movements. This piece celebrates the charm and magic of the great works of the repertoire.

Gopak
Solo
Choreography: Rotislav Zakharo
Dancer: Ciro Tamayo
Music: Vasili Soloviov-Sedoi

Known for its dynamism and virtuosity, Gopak is a folkloric piece that challenges the dancer's agility and control. The choreography stands out for its acrobatic jumps and contagious energy, representing a true display of technique and passion.

Finale
Dancers: Ciro Tamayo, Ariele Gómes, Mario Galindo, Bárbara Verdasco, Óscar Alonso, Olga G. Somocueto, Irene Tena, and Albert Hernández.

BIOGRAPHIES OF THE GUEST ARTISTS

Olga G. Somocueto
Olga García Somocueto graduated in 2016 from the Royal Professional Conservatory of Dance in Madrid, specializing in classical dance. After completing her studies, she participated in productions such as Coppélia and Don Quixote with the Nice Ballet under the direction of Eric Vu-An. Since January 2017, Olga has been a member of the Staatstheater Nürnberg Ballett, directed by Goyo Montero. In 2020, she was mentioned by Dance Magazine in the category of "Outstanding performance in a female dancer" thanks to her role as Peter in Über den Wolf, a work by acclaimed choreographer Goyo Montero. 

Oscar Alonso
Born in Spain, he began his education at María Montero de Espinosa's ballet academy in Badajoz. In 2005, he continued his studies at the Mariemma Royal Professional Dance Conservatory in Madrid, where he graduated in 2009. He performed with the Santamaría Dance Company and at the FIB Danza Benicassím International Dance Festival. As a soloist, he participated in choreographies by Goyo Montero, Nacho Duato, Jiří Kylián, Johan Inger, Ohad Naharin, Marco Goecke, Sol León & Paul Lightfoot, among others. In the 2009-2010 season, he was a guest dancer with the Nuremberg Ballet, and since the 2010-2011 season, he has been a member of the Nuremberg Ballet company.

Mario Galindo
Mario was born in Madrid and studied dance at the Mariemma Conservatory, where he graduated in 2019. He participated in the Prix de Lausanne and completed his studies at the San Francisco Ballet School, where he performed in ballets such as Wheeldon's Cinderella and Tomasson's The Nutcracker.

In 2020, he joined the CND, where he was promoted to soloist within a year. During his time at the CND, he performed roles such as Albrecht in Giselle, James in La Sylphide, and the young man in Jeune Homme et la mort, and danced pieces by choreographers such as Balanchine, Duato, Kylian, Ratmansky, Inger, Wheeldon, Peck, Roland Petit, and others. In September 2023, he received the Positano "Leionide Massine" Award as dancer of the year.

Barbara Verdasco
Bárbara was born in Madrid but grew up in Jaca, where she began her first ballet classes with María José Ara. At the age of 16, she joined the RCPD Mariemma and graduated with honors. She has worked in various young companies and has danced with Ballet Ireland, performing choreographies such as The Nutcracker and choreographies by Filipe Portugal, Christopher Bruce, and Marguerite Donlon. She has also danced in Christopher Wheeldon's production of Cinderella for the English National Ballet. In recent years, she has danced with the CND in ballets such as Joaquín de Luz's Giselle, Ratmansky's Concerto Dsch, and Justin Peck's Heatscape. She also participates in various galas, dancing the roles of Odette and Odile and the Sugar Plum Fairy. In 2024, she joined the London City Ballet, performing choreographies by McMillan, Ashley Page, Arielle Smith, Christopher Marney, and Liam Scarlett. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with prestigious choreographers such as Marco Goecke, Jiří Kylián, Edward Clug, and Ohad Naharin, among others.

Cyrus Tamayo
She began her dance studies at the Ateneo de Música y Danza in 2001 and at the Conservatorio Profesional de Danza de Málaga in 2004. In 2006, she moved to Madrid and continued her

studies at the Mariemma Royal Professional Dance Conservatory. Finally, he moved to England in 2010 and graduated from the Royal Ballet School in London, where he participated in the season's productions. In August 2011, he began his professional career at the SODRE National Ballet (Uruguay) at the invitation of Artistic Director Julio Bocca, dancing solo and principal roles from the outset. For the 2013 season, he was officially promoted to Soloist and for the 2014 season, he was promoted to Principal Dancer.

He has danced with the BNS on its many national and international tours and has been invited to numerous galas and festivals, as well as serving as Principal Guest Dancer for the English National Ballet and the Cuban National Ballet. He has worked with numerous world-renowned choreographers and rehearsal directors such as M. Wainrot, N. Makarova, J. Kylian, N. Duato, W. Forsythe, I. Urlezaga, G. Bond, O. Araiz, F. Ventriglia, and O. Naharin, among others. He has been praised by the media for his charisma, "highest jumps," "exquisite musicality," and "moving performances," among other things.

Ariele Gomes
Born in Santos, São Paulo. At age 15, she graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance through the Escola de Ballet Lúcia Millás. She participated in international competitions such as the Youth American Grand Prix in New York (USA), the Genne International Competition in Toronto (Canada), and the preliminary selection for the Prix de Lausanne in Cordoba (Argentina).

In 2011, she was hired by Julio Bocca to join the Sodre National Ballet in Montevideo, Uruguay, and in 2015 she was promoted to soloist.

She has also worked with choreographers such as Nacho Duato, Jiří Kylián, George Balanchine, and William Forsythe. In September 2022, she was hired by the Ballet de Catalunya under the direction of Elías García, and in February 2023, she was promoted to soloist with the company. She is currently a freelance dancer.

Irene Tena
She trained at the Mariemma Royal Professional Dance Conservatory in Madrid, the Conservatori Professional de Dansa del Institut del Teatre in Barcelona, and the Paca García Flamenco School. She studied Spanish dance, classical dance, and contemporary dance at L'Aula de Dansa in Gavà (Barcelona). In 2016, she joined the BNE under the direction of Antonio Najarro. She has danced in Transmutación for the Antonio Ruz e Hilo Roto Company, the first show by La Venidera, a company she created together with Albert Hernández, which led her to be nominated for the Max Award for Best Female Dance Performer. Among her awards, the AISGE Foundation Award for Outstanding Dancer at the Spanish Dance and Flamenco Choreography Competition in Madrid for Loca stands out.

Albert Hernandez
He trained at the Conservatori Professional de Dansa del Institut del Teatre in Barcelona and other centers such as the Ritmes Escola de Dansa and the Escuela de Baile Flamenco La Tani, and completed an advanced course at the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Mariemma in Madrid. In 2016, he joined the BNE under the direction of Antonio Najarro and was promoted to principal dancer in 2019 under the direction of Rubén Olmo. He has worked with Antonio Ruz on the shows Electra and Transmutación and with the Peridance Contemporary Dance Company in New York, as well as premiering Hilo roto with his own company, La Venidera. He has received several awards, including First Prize for Choreography at the 28th Spanish Dance and Flamenco Choreography Competition in Madrid in 2019.