Christmas Dance Gala
Nexus Company

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

Aitor Arrieta, Lead Principal Dancer of the English National Ballet, Juanjo Carazo, dancer of the National Dance Company, and Daniel Vicandi, former professional dancer, present the III edition of the Christmas Dance Gala Nexus Company, after the success of the last two editions, bringing together some of the most outstanding dancers of 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 paso a dos 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.

Mario Galindo and Bárbara Verdasco, promising members of the National Dance Company, will delight the audience with classical ballet performances, including the emblematic "Giselle" and the passionate paso a dos from "Talismán".

From Uruguay, Ciro Tamayo, principal dancer of the Ballet Nacional de Sodre, and Ariele Gomes, former soloist dancer of the same company, will offer a vibrant performance with the paso a dos of "Esclavo del Corsario" (Slave of the Corsair). 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 touch will be provided by Albert Hernandez and Irene Tena, former dancers of the Spanish National Ballet, who will bring the characteristic flamenco of the Nexus Galas. They will perform "Amor mojado en sal", a piece with the emblematic bata de cola, and the exciting paso a dos of "Afanador".

ARTISTIC FILE

Artistic direction:
Aitor Arrieta
Juanjo Carazo
Daniel Vicandi

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

GALA PROGRAM

Afanador
Step by two
Choreography courtesy of the National Ballet of Spain
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 Mil Besos, I could not limit myself to copying such beauty. The masterful photographic sessions of Ruven Afanador in Andalusia are unrepeatable: the alchemy that took place there between the photographer and figures of the charisma of Israel Galván, Matilde Coral, Eva Yerbabuena, José Antonio or Rubén Olmo himself is unrepeatable. My journey begins where those sessions end, and when I finish dreaming about them. Afanador hatches in the tension between the fascination that emanates from Ruven Afanador's photos, and my own fascination for all the mystery, so diurnal and at the same time so nocturnal, 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, is transformed into an avenging spirit. The choreography, full of grace and drama, focuses on the expression of unconditional love and sacrifice.

Visceral
Step by two
Creógrafos: Óscar Alonso and Sophie Antoine
Dancers: Óscar Alonso and Olga G. Somocueto
Music: "Ur Is Ka Ha Ha So" by Folket Bortafor Nordavinder
Costume design: Angelo Alberto

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

Corsair
Paso a dos del Esclavo
Choreography: Marius Petipa
Dancers: Ciro Tamayo and Ariele Gomes
Music: Adolphe Ada

A vibrant and passionate interpretation of the classic Corsair, this paso a dos 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 inner struggle of the protagonist, providing a visceral interpretation of the classic story of Otello.

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

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

Love dipped in salt
Paso a dos
Choreography: Albert Hernández, Irene Tena
Music: No sabe el mar que es domingo by Mayte Martín, Singing guitar 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 emblematic 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 connection between the performers.

Talisman
Step by two
Choreography: Marius Petipa
Dancers: Mario Galindo and Bárbara Verdasco
Music: Cesare Pugni

Talismán 's paso a dos is an exhibition of virtuosity and elegance, highlighting the technical skill and beauty of classical ballet movements. This piece celebrates the charm and magic of the great repertory works.

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 Dance Conservatory of Madrid with a specialty in Classical Dance. After finishing 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 part of the Staatstheater Nürnberg Ballett with Goyo Montero as director. In 2020, she was mentioned by "Dance Magazine" in the category "Outstanding performance in a female dancer" thanks to her role as Peter in "Über den Wolf", a work by acclaimed choreographer Goyo Montero. 

Óscar Alonso
Born in Spain, he began his education at the ballet academy of María Montero de Espinosa in Badajoz. In 2005 he continued his studies at the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Mariemma in Madrid, where he graduated in 2009. She performed with the Santamaría Dance Company and at the International Dance Festival FIB Danza Benicassím. As a soloist she 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 has been a guest dancer of the Nuremberg Ballet; and since the 2010-2011 season he is a member of the Nuremberg Ballet company.

Mario Galindo
Mario was born in Madrid, he studied dance at the Mariemma conservatory, where he graduated in 2019. He participates in the Prix de Lausanne and manages to finish his studies at the school of "San Francisco ballet" where he participates in ballets such as Cinderella by Wheeldon and Nutcracker by Tomasson.

In 2020 he joined the CND where he was promoted to soloist dancer a year later. During his stay at the CND he plays roles such as Albretch in Giselle James in La Sylphide, the young man in Jeunne Homme et la mort and performs pieces by choreographers such as Balanchine, Duato, Kylian, Ratmansky, Inger, Wheeldon, Peck, Roland Petit, etc. 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 16 she enters the RCPD Mariemma and graduates with honors. She worked in different young companies and has danced with Ballet Ireland performing choreographies such as 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 ballets such as Giselle by Joaquín de Luz, Concerto Dsch by Ratmansky or Heatscape by Justin Peck. She also participates in different galas dancing the roles of Odette and Odile and Sugar Plum Fairy. In 2024 she is part of "London City Ballet" performing choreographies by McMillan, Ashley Page, Arielle Smith, Christopher Marney and Liam Scarlett. And in his career, he has collaborated with prestigious choreographers such as Marco Goecke, Jiří Kylián, Edward Clug and Ohad Naharin, among others.

Ciro 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 dance

studies at the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Mariemma. Finally, he moved to England in 2010 and graduated from the Royal Ballet School in London, where he participated in the productions of the season. In August 2011 he began his professional career at the Ballet Nacional del SODRE (Uruguay) invited by Artistic Director Julio Bocca, dancing solo and principal roles from the beginning. 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, festivals and as Guest Principal Dancer for the English National Ballet and the Ballet Nacional de Cuba. He has worked with numerous world renowned choreographers and repetiteurs 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, "soaring leaps", "exquisite musicality" and "moving interpretations", among others.

Ariele Gomes
Born in Santos, São Paulo. At the age of 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), Genne International Competition in Toronto (Canada) and the pre-selection of the Prix de Lausanne in Cordoba (Argentina).

In 2011 she was hired by Julio Bocca to integrate the Ballet Nacional del Sodre 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 of the company. She is currently a freelance dancer.

Irene Tena
She studied at the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Mariemma in Madrid, at the Conservatori Professional de Dansa del Institut del Teatre in Barcelona and at the Escuela de Flamenco Paca García. Studies of Spanish dance, classical dance and contemporary dance at L'Aula de Dansa, Gavà (Barcelona). In 2016, she joined the BNE under the direction of Antonio Najarro. She has danced the piece Transmutación for Compañía Antonio Ruz and Hilo roto, the first show of La Venidera, a company she created with Albert Hernández and which led her to be a candidate for the Max Award for Best Female Dance Performer. Among her awards is the AISGE Foundation Award to the Outstanding Dancer of the Choreographic Contest of Spanish Dance and Flamenco of Madrid for Loca.

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